Melissa Lynette Makin

Melissa Lynette (Oakes) Makin, devoted wife and mother passed away July 8, 2023 in Ogden Utah. She was born April 11, 1957 to Kenneth and Isla Oakes.

She graduated from Whittmore Prescott High School in 1975. After graduating from high school, she moved to Utah where she attended Weber State University and later transferred to Brigham Young University where she graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree. She then went on to work for Union Station and The Forest Service where she later retired from.

Melissa never let Cerebral Palsy get the best of her. She was crowned Miss Wheelchair Utah in 1988. She also had a wonderful talent for helping those in need of a friend.

In June of 1982, Melissa met Howard Norman Makin while attending a dinner at Stewart Rehabilitation Center’s Freedom Fest, bringing awareness to the physically challenged.  From there the two became a power couple, always knowing where the other one was. They were sealed for time and eternity on December 14, 1988, in the Ogden LDS Temple.

Melissa was a devoted member of The Church of Latter-day Saints and served in several callings. She was a convert to the gospel largely in part to her love of the Osmond Family.

Melissa was a devoted wife, mother and friend, with her outgoing personality and acts of kindness that made a difference in many people’s lives.

Melissa had a huge love of cats and is now reunited with her beloved fur babies, Mariah, Tigger, Coco, Callie, and Silly V aka Sylvester.

Though her love of cats was strong, she also loved Princess Diana, cross-stitching, crocheting and collecting Precious Moments figurines.

Melissa is survived by her son, Kent Makin of Salt Lake City, daughter-in-law, Ashley Hair of Salt Lake City; children of affection Echo Mae Pendel, Alan Rogers, and Amy Burden; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Abigail “Little Bit” Makin, Amber, and Hazel; grandchildren of affection, Sydney, Molly, and Gianna Rogers, Connor, Roselyn, Wyatt and Paysley Snyder; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Makin; father, Kenneth R. Oakes; mother, Isla Oakes; and brothers, Kenneth T. Oakes and Larry Oakes.

The family would like to give special thanks to her many friends and family, Chelsea Waters, Ashlee Farr, David and Karen Phillips, Robin Decker, Doug and Leslie Hammer and Cathy Farr. Also thank you to the many doctors, nurses and caregivers that took care of her.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

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