Melanie Jane Richards

Melanie Jane Richards, 33, of Parkersburg, W.Va., passed away Friday, September 21, 2012, following a brief illness.She was born March 14, 1979 in Charleston, W.Va. to Gary C. and Mary Jane Kesterson Richards.She graduated of Parkersburg High School in 1997 and was a member of A Capella Choir, Chamber Choir and The Journal Staff. She attended West Virginia Wesleyan where she was a member of Concert Chorale and Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. Prior to her illness, she was persuing a doctorate degree in Natural Medicine and had studied at the Australian College of Natural Medicine.She was a member of Stout Memorial United Methodist Church where she participated in the youth group, choirs and had served as an acolyte. Melanie was a very talented musician and was a juried jewelry designer for TAMARACK.She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Conard and Lucille Rinehart Richards; maternal grandparents, Harry L. and Alma Wharton Kesterson; an uncle; three-great aunts; and four great-uncles.She is survived by her parents; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 27, 2012 at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Parkersburg, W.Va. with Dr. Paul Russell officiating.Memorial contributions may be made to the PHS Choral Boosters.