Melissa Ringer

Melissa Kay Ringer, 46, of Yakima, Washington unexpectedly passed away in her home during the early morning hours of August 13, 2018. Melissa was brought into this world by her parents Michelin and Mary Hurst on December 16, 1971. She became a mother very young and always regarded raising her four children as her greatest accomplishment. Melissa had always been a strong willed rebel that did what she thought was right. These traits matured and fueled her career as an inspiring advocate for those who could not do so for themselves. Her passion in life was to be a voice for others. This encompassed her work at SEIU775. That Union often found her as a keynote speaker at rallies in support of better benefits for caregivers. She was often outspoken in Olympia and Washington DC lobbying for SEIU775. She considered the Union a part of her family. Six years ago Melissa met the love of her life, Randy Ringer and they married shortly thereafter. Melissa and Randy shared countless adventures together from taking the dirt bikes and snowmobiles up to the hills, to ice climbing in Canada. The two even decided to purchase Ray’s Retail Meats and ran the business together as partners. She was a wonderful wife to a great man! She is survived by her husband Randy Ringer; children: Leah, Nick, David, Isaiah, Kendra, and Ryan; parents Michelin and Mary Hurst; brother Mich Jr; inlaws Gary Ringer and Gail McLaughlin; grandchildren: Isaac, Uriah, Mileah, Michael, Iris, and Ellie; and numerous extended family. Viewing will be 12 noon – 5pm, Thursday, August 23 at Valley Hills Funeral Home (2600 Business Ln, Yakima). Funeral services will be 1:30pm, Friday, August 24 at the Terrace Heights Grange (3701 W. Birchfield Rd., Yakima) with burial to follow at the Terrace Heights Memorial Park. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Melissa Ringer, please visit our flower store.