Melodye Lee (Presnell) Lessner, 72, passed away Friday February 3, 2017 at her home in Deming, New Mexico.

Melodye was born to Bob and Leona Presnell on December 16, 1944 in Dixon, Illinois. She met her loving husband James on her 16th birthday. She attained her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University.

Before moving to Deming, Melodye developed a Preschool and an Art program for the Parks and Recreation Department in Davenport, Iowa. She also worked as a Supervisor of the Infant Department for Kohl's for 9 years. She was an avid bowler, tennis player, and loved arts and crafts not to mention, her love of golf. Melodye was also an avid protector of wildlife.

Since moving to Deming, Melodye substituted at Fruit of the Vine Preschool, was a member and President of the Holy Family Altar Society, Vice President of the Ladies Golf Association for 4 years, President of the Rio Mimbres Ladies Auxiliary, Member of the Hospital Auxiliary and was a volunteer at the Senior Center.

Melodye is survived by her husband Jim of Deming, NM; 3 daughters, Lisa Kopatich (Joe) of olathe, Kansas, Kyra Lessner (Scott) of San Antonio, Texas, and Angela Lessner of Des Moines, Iowa; 3 grandchildren, Tyler Kopatich (Sawyer) of Wichita, Kansas, Alec Kopatich of the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, and Kylee Kopatich of the University of Kansas WBB in Lawrence, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Leona Presnell, her brother Odie Presnell, and brother in law Bill Bain.

Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Mimbres Crematory. Melodye was an Organ Donor. There will be a Celebration of Life at the First United Methodist Church officiated by Pastor Ernie Vineyard on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 2 o'clock.