We said our final farewell to Cheryl Melin, 74, of Ashland Montana. She was born June 4, 1951 in Havre Montana to the late Jim and Dorothea Mitchell. Cheryl was a ranch girl from the start. She spent most of her childhood on their ranch south of Malta. She had a wonderful childhood with her sisters Charlotte and Judy by her side, as well as many cousins that created fond memories with her that she treasured.
Most of Cheryl’s education happened in Malta, Montana. When she was a Junior her family moved to their new ranch near Clyde Park, Montana, where she went on to graduate high school in 1969. Cheryl was very active in 4-H, a passion that she passed on to her children and grandchildren. After high school, Cheryl attended MSU, where she received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
On September 1, 1972 she married Mick Melin, the love of her life. The two of them moved to Gardiner, Montana where Mick was a teacher and Cheryl worked for the National Parks. She loved her time working as a secretary and Concessions manager for Yellowstone National Park. In 1974, the two of them moved to their own ranch on the Tongue River. This is where her true legacy began. Cheryl began teaching at St. Labre as reading specialist. She later moved into teaching 5th grade. She spent over 40 years working for St. Labre and becoming intertwined with her students, their families and her colleagues.
Cheryl was the powerhouse behind their ranch. Mick became very sick in 1993, Cheryl was the strength behind the ranch. She continued the haying, calving, lambing and daily work all while raising two young boys until Mick was well enough to work alongside her again. Cheryl had an excellent memory and could recall specific cows, their ages and could even point out who their calves were. She was a rancher through and through.
Cheryl had the natural ability to get any bum calf to suck. When everyone else struggled to raise bums, Cheryl would thrive. She loved taking on bottle baby calves and lambs and everyone else appreciated that she loved it. Cheryl enjoyed working with her grandkids and their 4-H animals. She was their greatest supporter, she even sat through a chicken show for Chasyn once and she hated chickens.
After retirement, Cheryl and Mick followed their grandchildren to every event. They both loved watching the kids at the fair and looked forward to it each year. In the fall of 2020, Mick passed away leaving Cheryl to once again take on the full lead of the ranch. With the help of her boys she continued ranching. In recent years, Cheryl could often be found driving her Mule around checking tanks, doing calf checks, watching for new lambs or just sitting in the fields watching Ryan and Brand farm and hay. Cheryl truly loved helping Ryan cover shifts to check for new lambs and was always ready to take a cold lamb or two or three into her house to warm them up by the fire. She had the nurturing heart of a rancher.
Cheryl was a frequent flyer to Miles City. She enjoyed visiting Nolan’s family and watching his children in their school and church functions. She also loved being able to meet up with her sisters. Attending the Bucking Horse Sale parade with all her family was one of her favorite events of the year.
Cheryl is survived by her two sons: Nolan (Amanda) of Miles City and Ryan (Nikki) of Ashland; grandchildren Sawyer and Danica of Miles City and Brand and Chasyn of Ashland; sisters: Charlotte Miller (Rick) of Yuma, AZ and Judy Bloxham (Mark) of Miles City; nephews: Mitch Bloxham (Melissa) of Otter and Jordan Bloxham (Logan) of Lewistown. Cheryl is also survived by numerous other nieces and nephews. Cheryl leaves behind good friends Joanie Abbott and Dick Brewer; these friends have been with her through many years of life.
Cheryl is preceded in death by her late husband Michael (Mick) Melin, and her father and mother Jim and Dorothea.
Cheryl leaves behind a life defined by her passionate devotion to others. She believed in life long learning and dedicated her life to helping others build a strong foundation in academics. Her devotion to the land was easily observed through her garden, her farming abilities and her dedication to even the weakest farm animals. She lived a meaningful and rich life that was centered around all those that she truly loved.
Should friends desire memorials may be made to the Mick and Cheryl Melin 4-H Scholarship Fund at First State Bank in Forsyth.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Duane and Sue Allred says
We share our condolences to the Melin family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat and Bob Corbin says
This breaks my heart. Mick and Cheryl were such great friends while we lived in Ashland area. Our kids were in 4-H together. Just so much fun with this family. Hugs and prayers to Nolan and Ryan and their families, Mark and Judy Bloxham and family and Charlotte.So many memories. Hold them close.
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
Ryan, Nikki and Family:
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Mom’s and Dad’s take care of their kids in very mysterious ways. She is up there now hanging out with God and giving Ryan extra healing powers to get well. She will be your guardian angel forever. We are so very sad that you have to go through this. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brenda Witkowski says
Ryan, Nikki, Brand, Chasyn, Nolan and family,
I am so very sorry to hear about Cheryl. She was definitely a rancher at heart! You all have been through a lot lately. So many prayers headed your way. Prayers for continued healing for Ryan. May God wrap you all in his hands and comfort you during this time.
Curtis and Kate Terrett says
To all of Cheryl’s family, So sorry for your loss
Russ Alexander says
Cheryl was an exceptional teacher. No nonsense but compassionate. She believed that every child could learn. I do not remember a single complaint from students or parents.
Patty and Russ Dunn says
Ryan, Nikki, Brand and Chasyn ~
We know words seem like they’re just words…we hope you feel the intention behind ours. We are truly sorry for your loss of Cheryl. It always surprises us when we see an amazing life in the words of an obituary. We’re reminded there are so many good people in the world. Cheryl was at the top of the list. She lived a life true to her beliefs. We see the wonderful legacy she’s left in your family. You are in our prayers.
Betty Vail says
Judy and Charlotte, I am so sorry to read of your sister’s death. As we age losing our siblings is one of the most difficult things we face. Thinking of you and all your family.
Liz Smith says
Thoughts ,prayers, and hugs to all of you at this time.
Beth Cebulski Medley says
Very sorry for the families loss. The Mitchell families have always been held close to our hearts!
Irene and Ken Nelson says
We send our love and prayers for comfort. i know her legacy lives on through the next generations. You were blessed to have her as your matriarch and her students were blessed by her dedication and caring. God’s peace.