Melody Anne Woods, age 63, left this world on February 28 surrounded by loved ones in the home she cherished.

Melody was the third child of Bill Woods, who preceded her in death, and Lou Woods. 

Her childhood included many adventures with her siblings, laughs and close companionship. She loved the water from an early age and spent many happy summers competing in swimming and diving. She later developed a love of golf and enjoyed many years on the course with friends, her sisters and her beloved brother Derrek, who also preceded her in death. We who remain miss them both.

Professionally, Melody spent her career as a receptionist, a role perfectly suited to her warm nature. She had a remarkable gift for greeting people, making them feel welcome and putting them at ease the moment they walked through the door.

For over thirty years Melody enjoyed spending time with her partner Adolfo Martinez, and through him, she became connected to the Kansas City art community. Her home is filled with artwork from Adolfo and other local artists. Being surrounded by that creativity brought Melody great joy.

Melody cherished her extended family and fully embraced her in-laws, David McAvoy and CeCi Harris. She delighted in spending time with her nieces and nephews who hold many fond memories of visits with her during holiday celebrations, camping trips and outings around the city.

Melody also maintained a lifelong friendship with her high school buddy, Michael Terry. The two shared many activities over the years, including volunteering at a community garden, camping, cooking, playing disc golf and cribbage, crafting holiday gifts and simply enjoying each other’s company.

To her four sisters, Melody was a vital thread in the fabric of their lives. They grew up sharing a bedroom, clothes, toys, stories, flat-street adventures, backyard shenanigans and gatherings downstairs. As adults, they continued that bond through family time and their famously competitive Scrabble matches. Melody had a natural gift with words, and she delighted in using them, whether in word games or the thoughtful, personal messages she wrote in holiday cards.

Melody’s love of language carried into her daily life. She played word games every day and left behind many journals that showcase her creative writing skills and thoughtful reflections. One small piece, found on the back of an envelope from 2022, captures her spirit:

“Melody Anne, a Woods Girl. I thought about scribbling something down but When I tried, my ideas ran away from me. Think I’ll ad lib this…remember a positive sentiment. You know, the obvious…Love, Friend, Family, Fact, Fiction…Frost, Frontiers and Forever.”

Melody will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She had a special way of cheering people on in their pursuits, asking for pictures from events she could not attend, delighting in videos of her great nieces, and showing genuine curiosity in the interests of others. She showed her support with what could sometimes feel like over-the-top praise, but her love of her family was at the center of her life.

An open house in honor of Melody’s life will be held on Friday, March 13th , from 4pm to 8 pm at her home. Please reach out to a family member for the address. 

Melody’s memory will live on in the stories she shared, the words she wrote, the art she loved and the many lives she touched.