Melinda J. Ondo

Melinda J Ondo, age 51, of Forestville, passed away Monday, July 24, 2023 at her residence. She was born on Sunday, May 7, 1972, in Pottsville, a daughter of Patricia A (Morgan) Neumeister of Pine Grove and the late Frank M Neumeister. She was a 1990 graduate of Tri-Valley High School. Melinda had twenty-six years of experience as a certified nursing assistant for various nursing homes and staffing agencies; with the last seventeen years caring for hospice patients as an employee of Pinnacle Health Hospice and Compassionate Care Hospice. She was also a waitress for many years at the Blu Tavern Restaurant. Melinda dutifully cared for her mother and father in their home for several years before her father's passing; then cared for her mother in her own home for four years prior to Melinda's illness. Melinda was a kind, caring, and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She could turn a stranger into a friend in minutes with her inviting smile and engaging personality. Her kind heart was always finding a way to help anyone who she thought needed a lift. Her creative craft and decorating skills were legendary. She could create something uniquely hers or make an exact replica just from sight. She also had a knack for placing decorations in just the right way to make her house a cozy home. Melinda enjoyed quilting, wool rug hooking, sewing, expertly doing jigsaw puzzles with her mom, bargain shopping with her best buds Mary and Kristy, seashell searching, and walking along Surfside Beach SC with Ron, or just sitting on her back porch enjoying the quiet sounds of nature. She also cherished the time she spent making and selling handmade jewelry with her daughter Marissa. Her cooking and baking skills were also unrivaled. If it was "homemade" from Mel's kitchen, you knew it would be delicious. She is survived by her husband Ronald S Ondo, to whom she was married for 23 years. She is also survived by her mother, Patricia A Neumeister of Pine Grove; a daughter, Marissa R Cook and her companion Jim Boris of Forestville; a brother, John M Neumeister of Springfield, TN, and one other brother and three sisters; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her Nanny's best friend, her dog Nollie.. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc, Valley View, with Rev. Jeremy Smallwood officiating. Burial will be in Church of Christ in Christian Union Cemetery, Weishample. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to The Valley Lighthouse, 105 Main St, Lykens PA 17048 or at www.thevalleylighthouse.org. Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.

Melinda J. Ondo

May 7, 1972 - July 24, 2023