Our sister in Christ, Melanie D. Long, of Quartzsite, AZ. Passed from this life peacefully on January 5 ^th , 2019 at Yuma Regional Medical Center from cancer. She was surrounded by her devoted husband, Bill and family and friends.

Melanie was born in McGrath, Alaska in 1960. Growing up she lived in various parts of Alaska, including Dillingham and Homer where she graduated high school. She was preceded in death by her son and parents. She is survived by her husband and best friend, Bill Long and his family including daughter, Jayelyn, son-in-law Mike, and granddaughters, Breanna and Isabella, and sisters, Carol Komakhuk, Angie Grant, and Alice Iverson, and brothers, Jimmy Vanderpool, William Vanderpool, and David O'Rear.

Bill and Melanie met in person for the first time at a church of Christ congregation in Washington state. They were both seeking the Lord and His will. Melanie was baptized for remission of her sins in Quartzsite in 2015 and dedicated herself to His service for the remainder of her too short life. She loved the Lord and was grateful for His love. She encouraged and supported Bill as he preached at the Quartzsite congregation the last two summers.

Melanie had many passions in life. She had a great love of being outdoors and enjoying the beauty of God's creation. She was an avid rock collector and found joy in making jewelry. She used her creativity and love of cooking along side her husband, Bill, at the Quartzsite Bakery for the past 3 years. Melanie touched many people throughout her life. To a person they remember her as being kind, generous, gentle, and loving.

Bill and Melanie were married October 3, 2015. Their love is described by Bill in his own words: "She is my hero. I have shed a million tears the last two days and I feel so blessed to have known her. God worked through her to bring me out of the darkness and I, her. We found each other when we needed each other the most. Melanie, I love you."

Services for family and close friends will be scheduled later. Arrangements are being handled by All Saints Cremation and Memorial Chapel of Yuma.  The family asks not to send flowers but to make a donation in her name to a charity of their choice.  Condolences can be left on this website.