MELINDA CARRELL

Obituary of MELINDA THOMAS CARRELL

Melinda Thomas Carrell Beloved wife, mother, Nana, sister, aunt and friend, Melinda was born July 24, 1937, in Phoenix, Arizona, the daughter of John F. and Alice Hanson Thomas. She passed away peacefully December 1, 2014, in Tucson, of ALS. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Bill Carrell, Jr., MD; their children, Jennifer Carrell Helenbolt (Johnny) and Bill Carrell (Jill) and grandson, Will Helenbolt, as well as by her sister, Liz Ogilvy (Dave); nephews, John Alexander (John Lipsey), Stephen Alexander (Michelle) and Tom Alexander (Laura) and by grandniece, Catie and grandnephews, Ryan, Henry, and Grant Alexander. An icon of elegance, intelligence, and warmth, she made her home a place of welcome and laughter. She worked for Congressman Jim Kolbe for 11 years, first as District Aide and then Field Director. Previously, she was the Executive Director of the Southern Arizona Kidney Foundation. Before starting a family, she taught elementary school in Maryland. She graduated with distinction from the University of Arizona, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi, Spurs, and Mortar Board. She served locally as President of the Junior League of Tucson and nationally as a regional director of the Association of Junior Leagues. She was also Chair of the Silver & Turquoise Ball, President of the Human Adventure Center, and a board member of Arizona Town Hall, Tucson Children's Museum, and the Pima County Medical Society Alliance, as well as a founding member of Angel Charity. She loved tutoring children with the After School Music Program at St. Philip's in the Hills and with Project Yes. She adored St. Philip's in the Hills, where she served on the vestry and as junior warden and directress of the altar guild. Melinda will be deeply missed by her family and many friends. Services will be held Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Philip's in the Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the After School Music Program of St. Philip's in the Hills, Peppi's House (TMC Hospice), or a favorite charity .Arrangements entrusted to ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, DODGE CHAPEL
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