Melynda Jean Willis

Melynda McNamara Willis, 38, was born September 18, 1987, in Bethesda, Maryland, to Karen and Kevin McNamara. She passed away on April 29, 2026, far too soon, leaving behind a legacy of love, light, and generosity that will live on in all who knew her.

Melynda had a gift—people were simply drawn to her. Her laughter was contagious, her kindness genuine, and her energy uplifting. She lived with intention, always looking for ways to lift others, often paying it forward quietly and without recognition. Everyone who knew her was better for it.

Above all, Melynda cherished her family. In 2021, she married the love of her life, Shane Willis, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Their greatest joy came with the arrival of their beloved children, Hudson and Hadley. Melynda embraced motherhood fully, born to be their mom. From long sleepless nights to enjoying their curiosity, laughing at their creative outfits and toys, reading to

them, creating custom costumes and clothing, teaching them to sing, count, color and enjoy the outdoors and adventure, she knew their favorites, how to build their confidence, and found watching them grow into their strong character a true joy.

Melynda had a full, fun childhood, traveling the country with her parents’ military careers, and causing laughs with the antics she and her brother pulled. She began her career at The Learning Tree, later attending the University of Idaho and becoming a successful project manager in graphic design. Her artistic eye and leadership led her to be selected for major event design projects, where she broughtbeauty and meaning to every detail.

Melynda loved the outdoors and adventure, whether mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, camping, swimming, or exploring new places. She loved travel, learning of her Irish heritage with her father and hiking around the country. She brought that same enthusiasm to everything she did, from leading Girl Scouts at camp (earning the nickname “Ducky” for her famous duck walk) to participating in bike rides to

fight children’s cancer, and creating events all enjoyed. She and her brother Robbie shared a strong bond, children gravitated toward her, and she had a rare ability to make each person feel seen, valued, and loved.

Melynda and her husband, Shane’s, lives were tragically taken together in an auto accident on April 29, 2026. She is survived by her beautiful children, Hudson and Hadley; her parents, Karen and Kevin McNamara; her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Alisha McNamara; niece Zoe and nephew Wyatt, her grandmother, Jean Kennard; her in-laws Bruce and Dayna Willis; her brother-in-law, Koby Willis; and many aunts, uncles, cousins from New England, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pacific Northwest, and dear

friends who will carry her memory forward.

Though her time here was far too short, Melynda’s love, laughter, and light will continue to ripple through her children and the lives she touched.

A celebration of Melynda and Shane’s life will be held on May 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Moscow Church of the Nazarene, 1400 E. 7th Street, Moscow, Idaho. All who knew and loved them are welcome to attend and honor their life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to GoFundMe established for her children

https://gofund.me/9d12777c1,

or the First Responders of Mitchell, South Dakota, https://gofund.me/abef502d1