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Obituary of Melinda Maree Ferris
Melinda Maree Ferris was born on September 14, 1942 and raised in Mill Valley, California by her parents Murray and Kathryn Hilton. Melinda attended grammar school and then went on to graduate from Marin Catholic High School. After High School, Melinda attended Marylhurst College in Marylhurst, Oregon before marrying David Ferris in 1963, living in San Francisco and then moving to Chico, California. Melinda and David had two children, Timothy Ferris (1964) and Darcy Ferris (now McNaboe, 1966), before divorcing in the early 80’s.
Melinda was employed in the Chico area in various roles with various employers including Sun Realty as a Realtor, Enloe Hospital, Chico Enterprise Record, JC Penney’s, Russ Berry and finally at the California State University, Chico which she also attended earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree. After retiring from California State University, Melinda was a faculty member and taught classes at Butte Community College until 2020.
Melinda was an active parishioner at Our Divine Savior Catholic Church in Chico. Melinda loved music and dance and visiting and corresponding with her friends. She loved and cared deeply for her two children and grandchildren, Margaret “Daisy” Ferris and Owen Ferris.
Melinda passed on December 18, 2023 at Sutter Memorial Hospital in Sacramento, California from complications arising from a heart condition. She is survived by her two children, Timothy Ferris (Mary) of Chico, California and Darcy McNaboe (Jim) of Grand Terrace, California, grandchildren, Margaret “Daisy” Ferris and Owen Ferris, both living in Chico, California, her sister Diane McVittie of Concord, California as well as many nieces and nephews throughout California.
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Joe Behm
Melinda and I have known each other since the second grade while attending Park and Alto Schools. We were part of a small number of other MC classmates who were considered “public school boys and girls” mostly raised in Mill Valley and free from the influence of the Holy Nuns (except for our weekly Catechism classes normally taught by an even smaller group of obscure nuns who spoke with unfamiliar accents).
As time passes, we tend to lose touch with those we grew up with, but not the memories. I always looked forward to our MC reunions and visiting with those with who we shared our most early memories. Melinda was always there.
Nancy Friel (McIntyre)
Melinda and I met as Freshmen at Marin Catholic and became fast friends. We often double-dated and even tried out for cheerleading positions together. We reconnected at various MC Reunions and enjoyed catching up. Melinda was a kind, caring woman and good friend. I know she is dearly missed. May she rest in peace.
Barbara Garris (Edwards)
Melinda and I were Mill Valley girls and although we did not pal around we went to the same schools and CCD classes. Several years ago we connected on Facebook as we were both friends with a fellow classmate who had become a pastor on the Eastcoast. We were both shocked at his passing with Covid and began catching up on our lives. I was shocked at her passing because I knew nothing of her heart problems. She was a warm and delightful person who will be greatly missed!
Spencer Merryman
I am so sorry to hear about Melinda's passing. She was such a beautiful and nice person. Sad times are happening to our good friends from Marin Catholic and even before that in grammer school. Melinda was a wonderful person. Spencer