Melissa Wilt

Melissa Joyce Wilt, 50, of Port Orchard passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 3rd. Melissa was born to Marston and Carol Gillette in Ukiah, California. She spent the first 14 years of her life living in the small town of Potter Valley, California before moving to Ukiah in 1970. Melissa graduated from Ukiah High School in 1973. She met Steven Wilt, a friend of her brother's, when she and her parents went to meet her brother when the ship he was stationed on returned from Vietnam. Melissa and Steven married in 1974. Melissa was a true "Navy Wife" and was very supportive of Steven's career in the Navy. Melissa moved many times including 3 tours overseas. She joined the Navy herself in 1978. She worked as corpsmen until she was honorably discharged in 1982. Melissa returned to college in 1990 and graduated from Tacoma Community College in 1992. She worked at Harrison Memorial Hospital and later was Director of Medical Records at Retsil Veteran's Home for the past ten years. Melissa was very active in the local community. She was a member of St. Bede's Episcopal Church and Daughters of the King. Melissa was also a member of The Order of Eastern Star and Mother Advisor to Port Orchard Assembly #61, I.O.R.G. Melissa found joy in helping others and giving back to the community. She also enjoyed traveling, cooking, music of all varieties and sewing. Melissa was loved and respected by all who knew her and will be deeply missed by her family and the large group of friends who knew her through work, church and the Masonic community. Melissa was preceded in death by her mother, Carol. She is survived by her husband, Steven; her daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and Timothy Ungren residing in Michigan; her father, Marston, residing in Ukiah, California; her brother and sister-in-law Jeffery and Linda Gillette of Eureka, California; a niece and her family and two grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday February 11, 2006 at Rill's Life Tribute Center, located at 1151 Mitchell Avenue, Port Orchard, Washington.