Melinda Ann Lowrey

Melinda Lowrey of East Wenatchee, WA, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by her family and friends. She was born in Ft Worth, TX, in 1960. Melinda was diagnosed early with epilepsy, resulting in an aneurysm at age 5 that left her left side paralyzed. With the help of her loving and selfless parents, she learned once again to walk and to talk; as she grew into the amazing woman all who knew her came to love and admire. Melinda loved to walk wherever and whenever she could, a symbol of her independence and determination to not be slowed down by her disabilities. She refused to let the world pass her by, exemplified by climbing Enchanted Rock, a massive, 425-foot pink granite dome located about 20 miles north of her home in Fredericksburg, TX. We watched in amazement as she tackled a particularly steep climb, showing off her glowing smile when she reached the summit. In that moment, Melinda wasn't just climbing a rock, she was showing us what freedom truly looks like, that limitations are often just in our minds, and that with enough passion and perseverance, any summit is possible. From 2012 to 2017, Melinda belonged to Living Well Learning Center, a group in Fredericksburg, that graciously volunteered their time and energy to help adults with disabilities. Melinda cooked, shopped, created beautiful artwork, enhanced her academics, experienced physical activities and developed peer relationships. Melinda was especially liked and admired among the other adults and quickly learned the importance of being a teacher, a mentor and a big sister to others. There, Melinda captured her love for the stage and the spotlight by performing in four plays, as well as winning numerous medals for being a champion bowler and participating in the Special Olympics. Melinda also had a love and creativity for arts and crafts, but latch-hook was her absolute favorite, winning 4 second place ribbons at the county fair. Later, after moving from Texas to Washington State, she continued to make lasting friendships. Many close friends were made at East Wenatchee Senior Living, a place she called home. Over coffee, puzzles, board games, and other activities, she made a lasting impact on all those who were privileged to know her and called those friends, family. Melinda was preceded in death by her father, Frank Herbert, Sr. Melinda is survived by her mother, Elizabeth Hoyt Eberle; brothe,r Frank (Eddy) Herbert, Jr. (Julie); son, John (Ashley); and two grandsons. Melinda’s family extends our gratitude to the Confluence Hospice team and the staff of East Wenatchee Senior Living for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Activities-East Wenatchee Senior Living. There will be a graveside service at 1pm, on Thursday May 28, 2026, and a memorial/celebration at East Wenatchee Senior Living on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 3pm.

Melinda Ann Lowrey

July 16, 1960 - May 15, 2026