Obituaries

Melinda J. Wakefield, 77, passed away on January 19, 2026, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky.

She was born April 28, 1948, in Harrison, Ohio, daughter of Walter S. Wakefield and Florence M. Johnston. She spent her childhood on the family farm in western Hamilton County. After graduating from Miami University, Melinda had two full careers before retiring, first at Union Central Life Insurance Company (now Ameritas) in Cincinnati and then at the Disabled American Veterans national headquarters when it was in Cold Spring, Kentucky.

Melinda was known and loved by multitudes in the Cincinnati area. Truly one of a kind, she took a sincere interest in everyone she ever met, created hundreds of deep and lasting friendships, and brought joy to so many. Active in Mensa, DAV Auxiliary, and many local organizations like the Cincinnati Zoo and Licking Valley Quilters, she was always a willing volunteer and contributor.

In her 50s, she went from a couch potato to a half-marathon racer and hugely enjoyed the races as a walker. She was rightly proud of completing half- marathons in all 50 states plus DC, for a total of 83 altogether. At one point she did five half-marathons in five states in five days. Her other hobbies kept her active with beading, jewelry making, and quilting.

She leaves behind her husband of 36 years, Ed Westemeier.