Melanie Stidham (Calvert) of Brownsburg, Indiana passed away on Friday, October 11. She was fearless and fun-loving and cared deeply about her friends and family. She was truly one of a kind and is already missed by those who were lucky enough to know her.

Melanie was born on October 15, 1959, in Anderson, Indiana. She graduated from Pendleton Heights High School in 1978 and attended Indiana University where she played the alto saxophone in the Marching Hundred. Melanie worked throughout the years as a property and office manager, though her favorite job was definitely grandma. She was a supportive and dedicated mother and grandmother who was extremely proud of her family. She attended every sports game, band concert, color guard performance, dance recital, school play, graduation, and whatever else was on the calendar. She loved her children fiercely, held them accountable when they needed it, and taught them to "never take a no from someone who can't give you a yes!"

Though her life on this earth was over far too soon, she made the most of the time she had. She went on Caribbean cruises, vacations to Europe, cross-country road trips to visit nearly every US state, and spent countless wonderful weekends with her family and friends at Raccoon Lake. Melanie loved music and concerts and was fortunate to see many of her favorites live, including her beloved Rod Stewart (many times!), Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Jimmy Buffet, Lionel Richie, Earth, Wind, & Fire, and so many more! She was a huge sports fan and rooted for the Hoosiers, Colts, Pacers, and any team on which her kids or grandkids played. She loved shopping with her girls, gardening in the summer, reading John Grisham novels, making strong cocktails for happy hour, and enjoying good wine with good friends.

Melanie is survived by her best friend and adoring husband of over 35 years, Steve Stidham; her son, Nick Mayes and wife, Nicole, and their children, Josette and Oliver; her daughter Olivia and husband, Mike; her sister Kayra and husband Phil; her brother Dan and wife Shelley; and several cherished nieces and nephews. Many friends and family were waiting to greet her in heaven, including her parents, Gene Calvert and Phyllis Rash, stepfather Ted Rash, sister Resa, and her friends and partners in crime, Lisa Miller and Debbie Armstrong.

A celebration of Melanie's life will be held on Saturday, November 2 at the Browny in Brownsburg, Indiana from 4-8pm. In the spirit of Melanie, we encourage all who attend to wear their favorite band t-shirt, something with rhinestones or sparkles, or anything that reminds you of the fabulous woman we will be celebrating!