Melody Ann Dean Ivie

Melody left this world to join her Heavenly Father on May 15, 2023

Melody was born on January 27, 1950, to Raymond and Gwendolyn Dean in Great Falls, Montana.

Melody met Dennis while he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Georgia.  They started dating while attending Brigham Young University and were married and sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on December 30, 1969. A few years later they moved to Farmington, New Mexico. Melody quickly became beloved by many.  Through her church service and her preschool (Ivie League Preschool), her desire to serve others and her love of children became legendary. Her talent of teaching through love and compassion has impacted generations of students. Her kind nature and peaceful presence touched innumerable lives in the community.

Her love and service spanned oceans. In 2012, Melody served a mission with her late husband Dennis to Cape Coast, Ghana. Melody adored the people of Ghana and the missionaries she served with. She continued to provide support for people and institutions she loved there until her passing.

No matter the task, Melody gave her all. She loved unconditionally and expected nothing in return. Melody had many passions in this life.  On any given day, Melody could be found in her garden, tending her vegetables and flowers. She could be seen going for walks in the morning accompanied by her dogs.

Melody is preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Ivie, father, Raymond Dean, and brother Dana Dean. She was accompanied in death by her mother, Gwendolyn Dean Schofield. She is survived by her siblings, Alan Dean (Debra) and Cherry Boggs (Dennis); by her children Julianne Hamblin (Steven), Kristy Seeholzer (Travis), Jennifer Bell (Clint), Marilee Herman (Christapher), Eric Ivie (Aubrey), Eden Ivie, Holly Gubernath (Shawn), and Rachel Marquez (Michael); 24 grandchildren, 6 bonus grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter and 2 bonus great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and too many friends to ever count.

A public viewing will be held Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 6:00- 8:00 PM. at Brewer, Lee, and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute Street, Farmington, NM, Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 25th, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 400 West Apache, with family viewing from 9:30-10:30 AM.

The family would like to extend their appreciation in advance to all who will attend. Cameras and the use of any type of recording devices will be prohibited in respect for Gwendolyn, Melody, and their families.