Melanie Eldridge

Melanie Eldridge, 59, of Phoenix, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011.

Melanie was born Jan. 14, 1952, in Denver, the daughter of Ralph and Shirley Bowman. She spent her school years in Billings, graduating from Billings Senior High School in 1970. Melanie also was a longtime member of PEO Chapter AE in Billings.

She married Nick Weber in 1974; they had one daughter Nichole.

He preceded her in death. Then in 1979, she married Wes Eldridge and together they had one son, Wesley.

She lived her last thirty years in Phoenix. Melanie loved life, community, family, and most of all a good laugh. She was the inventor of the Red and Blue alert, the community exchange system which helped thousands of people with mental health challenges receive assistance in their time of need.

Melanie passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side.

Melanie was preceded in death by her mother Shirley Bowman and both of her husband’s. She is survived by her daughter Nichole

(Michael) Sanders, Phoenix; son Wesley Eldridge, Phoenix; father Ralph Bowman, Billings; brother Mark Bowman, Billings; sister Jan (Dennis) Duffy, Billings.

Memorial service will be held at Shadow Rock UCC, Phoenix, on Oct. 1, 2011, at 10 a.m.

Memorial may be given to Once-A-Month Church for the homeless, Attn: Dorothy Wellington, PO Box 87413 Phoenix, AZ. 85080; or MIKID, Attn: Vicki Johnson, 2642 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ. 85016.