WEITZ, Melinda Marie (Mel)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Monday, January 24, 2011 Melinda Marie Weitz, 53, of Prescott Valley, Ariz., born April 26, 1956 in Seligman, Ariz., passed away Jan. 22, 2011. A celebration of life will be 11 a.m. Jan. 28, 2011 at Arizona Wakelin Bradshaw Chapel, 8480 E. Valley Road, Prescott Valley. Arizona Wakelin Bradshaw Chapel assisted the family with funeral arrangements. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, January 25, 2011 Melinda Marie Weitz, 53, of Prescott Valley, Ariz., passed away on Jan. 22, 2011. After a short illness, Melinda died at her mother's home in Prescott Valley. Melinda, known to her family and friends as "Mel," was born on April 26, 1956, in Seligman, Ariz., to Abelardo and Esther (Lopez) . She was the fourth of six children. She grew up in Los Angeles, Calif., where she married Robert Weitz on July 7, 1979. Frustrated with the fast-paced city life in Los Angeles, in 1983 Melinda and Robert moved to Prescott Valley, where she worked as a bank teller for many years. Recently, Melinda worked as a caregiver for developmentally disabled adults. Melinda will be fondly remembered as a loving mother. She spent many years volunteering for local youth soccer teams as a treasurer, a coach, a referee and "cheerleader." She was passionate about being supportive of children and teens, who she saw as unique individuals and did her best to encourage their dreams and ease their troubles. She will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her for her sincere warmth and her caring and loving nature. Even though life wasn't always easy, she was readily available with a smile, a sense of humor, a positive attitude and a heart full of love. A card Melinda carried in her wallet best tells the story of her attitude toward life: "Love is the ability and willingness to allow the people you care for to be themselves without having to satisfy you." Melinda is survived by her daughter Monique Esther Weitz of Prescott Valley; mother Esther Martinez of Prescott Valley; mother-in-law Sally Weitz of Prescott Valley; sisters Mona Covey of Modesto, Calif., Marilyn Martinez of Reseda, Calif., and Monica Clover of Northridge, Calif.; and brother Randy Martinez of Lancaster, Calif. She is preceded in death by husband Robert Weitz; father Abelardo Martinez; brother Richard Martinez; and father-in-law Leonard "Lenny" Weitz. A celebration of Melinda's life will be 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at Arizona Wakelin Bradshaw Chapel, 8480 E. Valley Road, Prescott Valley, corner of Valley and Navajo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Melinda's name to the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona's Prescott Valley branch, 8201 Loos Drive, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Elizabeth "Liz" Wright and Dr. Bethany Luce. Arizona Wakelin Bradshaw Chapel assisted the family with the arrangements. Sign Melinda's online guest book at www.ruffnerwakelin.com. Information provided by survivors.