Melanie Kay Berthold

Born on July 21, 1958, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Kenneth Henry Brown and Carleen Adaire Hall. Passed away on March 30, 2026, in Bountiful, Utah. 

Melanie was a much‑beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She touched many lives and believed the universe knew the right time to place people in ours. She had a vibrant and spirited personality—and an outfit for every occasion. She was a woman of strong convictions who didn’t like others speaking for her. She was the kind of person who took charge, only needed one good eye to drive, and who wrote her own obituary:

“I did not accomplish great and noteworthy things, but I did accomplish small and noble things with the life I was given. I gave friendship and love to those who were seeking it. I seldom took the easy road simply because the more difficult one seemed the right thing to do. I sought for truth.

I loved autumn colors, the smell of flowers and pine, babies, music, the ballet, riding my Harley, ‘Sassy,’ getting muddy on the ATV, riding fast, kissing my grandchildren, sitting on the heat register, pink clouds, and seeing the world. I also loved cheesecake, black licorice, and Diet Coke.

I was the mother of three beautiful daughters: Sarah, Marianne, and Leigh. They were my greatest joy. To be their mother was a profound experience. Each has grown into a loving and giving individual. They are my legacy to this world. Please take care of them.

I helped others when I could. I tried to be selfless. I served my community, my family, and my friends with a sincere heart. I tried to be a good person and, at times, succeeded. I tried to learn patience and have empathy for others. I spent much of my life trying to perfect the virtue of self‑discipline. ‘The virtue of all achievement is victory over oneself. Those who know this can never know defeat.’ —A. J. Cronin

I suffered much from a life with diabetes and am thankful to those of you who helped me through physically and emotionally trying times. I believed our circumstances do not need to dictate our outlook. Create the life you want! Don’t let others direct how it will be.

Later in life, my journey eventually led me to my dearest love, Steve. Thank you for the love, support, and peace you brought me; you opened my eyes and my heart. Through you I made some of my most cherished friendships and gained a better understanding of the world. I love you for sharing each and every sunset from the Schlossberg.

I was the mother of Sarah (Brett) Call, Marianne Layton, and Leigh (Bruce) Cooley. I was grandmother to Anson, Heber, and Isaac, and I was honored to be called ‘Hamma’ by Cindy, Jordan, and Evan.

In lieu of flowers, hold my family close, watch today’s sunset, and remember that when the clouds turn pink, it is the universe reminding you that I love you. Then go have your favorite drink, eat your favorite food, turn up the music, and dance. Can I have more cowbell?!”

Melanie is preceded in death by her husband, Steven T. Berthold; her father, Kenneth Henry Brown; and her stepmother, Mary Deanna Beck.

Viewing will be held Friday, April 10, from 6:00–8:00 PM, and Saturday, April 11, from 10:00–11:00 AM.

A Celebration of Life for family and close friends will be held on April 11 from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM.

Services and interment will be held at Memorial Lakeview Mortuary and Cemetery, 1640 Lakeview Dr., Bountiful, UT 84010.

We invite those unable to attend to join us virtually: