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Life story

" It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Evelyn Melanie Schluter, a beloved mother, teacher, and friend. Melanie was born on November 30, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan , and was raised in Bessemer, Alabama, the eldest of three children to the late Frank & Edna Comer. She fell asleep in death on April 30, 2025 at age 81 in Madison, Virginia. She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Richard Schluter, and her sister, Rebecca Gunter, her two children, Renee Levering (husband Randy) and son, Richard Schluter II (wife Kris, daughters Edie and Gretchen). Melanie will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
After finishing school in Bessemer, Alabama, she went on to college and then to work as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines. In 1964 she met her future husband, Richard, who was a pilot for United Airlines. They were married August 14, 1965. They started married life together in San Mateo, California, and this is where her two children were born. They later moved to Illinois, then on to Virginia. At this time she started to study the Bible in depth and this answered many of her deep, spiritual questions.
In 1978, Melanie became a devoted Jehovah's Witness and Regular Pioneer for close to 46 years. She enjoyed spending her time in the ministry teaching others about Jehovah God and his wonderful promises for humankind found in the Bible. She will be remembered for her warm smile, her love for people, and her faith in Jehovah.
She was well known for her excellent cooking skills and loved being outdoors working in her garden or on one of her many sewing projects. Melanie and her husband, Richard, enjoyed travelling, having visited Africa, Australia, New Zealand and many countries in Europe throughout the course of her life. However, their love for Hawaii drew them back frequently. They also truly cherished their yearly ‘family reunion’ camping trip to the Thousand Islands Region on the St. Lawrence River in Upstate New York.
Melanie’s life was defined by love, unwavering faith, and a deep commitment to family. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten (John 5:28, 29). Her faithful family members and her congregation share her strong conviction in the time soon to come when the rule of God’s Kingdom in the hands of His Son, Jesus Christ, will end all mankind’s suffering and make the earth a paradise where she hopes to be resurrected to live again. (Matthew 6:9,10; Revelation 21:1-4)
A private remembrance service will be announced when arranged.
Click on her picture above to see other images.
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