Melanie Lee Clauson

Melanie Lee Clauson was born in 1953 in Tacoma, WA, and passed away at her home on April 27, 2019 surrounded by family. Melanie was born to Floyd and Charlotte Soule. She was the fourth of four children. Melanie’s father was in the Army and she and her family grew up in many places, before settling down in Port Orchard. Melanie met the love of her life, John, when she was in junior high school. Their love story began at a young age and continued through to her final days.


Melanie was well known for her open and loving heart. Throughout the years she became a second mother to those around her including her nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, children’s friends and anyone who needed her. Her true calling was taking care of others.


Special thanks to her niece Tammy Brown and great-nephew Michael Taylor who helped care for Melanie through the final months of her illness, their loving care and assistance was invaluable.


Melanie was preceded in death by her sister, Cynthia Nielsen, and her brother, Edward Soule. She is survived by her husband of 46 years John, daughters Christine Biernaki (Glenn Biernaki), Ileea Nehus (Michael Nehus), and son John Clauson II (Brittany Clauson), grandchildren Maya Nehus, Roman Nehus, Ellie Clauson, and Ellis Biernacki, brother Chuck Soule (Dawn Soule), and many nieces and nephews.