On Sunday November 21, 2021, Melody Ruth Raby of Grand Rapids was received by her Lord Jesus. After a long battle with myasthenia gravis, and a final battle with covid, Melody’s lungs stopped functioning bringing death to her body.

Melody is survived by her husband Eric Raby; children Eric Raby II (Sarah Jo), Maria Sotelo, Jodi Denton (Nick), Jessie Raby; siblings Mike Sutton, Phil Sutton, Lani Sovereen; grandchildren Savannah Raby, Keira Sotelo, Alyah Sotelo, Nicholas Denton, Clifford Denton, Landon Nolf. Melody was preceded in death by her parents Philip and Phyllis Sutton.

Melody was born July 12, 1962, in Flint Michigan. She graduated from Holly High School in 1980 and completed the Basic Bible Training Year at the Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music (G.R.S.B.M.) in 1984.

In 1983, while attending G.R.S.B.M., Melody met Eric. While they were taking walks, or sharing Melody’s favorite chocolate peanut butter shakes, they were talking about their future together. They fell in love quickly and were married 10 months after their first date. The 37 years of marital bliss that followed, were built on a simple, yet profound, truth that they learned in freshman doctrine class. During all those years, through laughter and tears, through the ups and the downs, the smiles and the frowns, Melody and Eric loved each other, ”for no good reason at all!” The focus of Melody’s life was always on Jesus, family (especially her kids and grandkids), and friends. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her grandkids as witnessed by the plaque in her living room which reads, "Grandkids Welcome, Parents by Appointment." She loved her interactive games, and connected in a meaningful way with so many people while playing words with friends, dice dreams, etc. She loved baking, and more than the baking itself, she loved giving her baked goods to family, friends, neighbors, medical staff, or anyone who looked hungry. Melody was trusted and loved by all she met. She was a woman who, despite years of physical battles, was filled with great hope. She never complained, never elevated her battle with sickness to others, and always put the needs of those around her above her own (normally this writer would “never say never,” and avoid “always”, but for Melody an exception is made as she was exceptional).

A “Celebration of Life Memorial” is scheduled for 12:00PM (preceded by visitation starting at 11:00AM) on Saturday December 11, 2021, at the Ground Floor (entrance C or J) of Resurrection Life Church of Grandville located at 5100 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville Michigan 48418. It will be immediately followed by a luncheon open to all who attend.

Melody would prefer that in place of the traditional flowers and condolences, donations be made by those desiring to show their love to their local church and/or favorite charitable organization.