Melinda Ruth Hockenberry

Melinda Ruth Hockenberry, 61, of Marietta, Ohio, died on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Marietta Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, following a brief battle with cancer. She was born on February 20, 1963, in Floyd County, Kentucky, to Larry Joseph and Phyllis Carol Jones Spears.

Melinda graduated from McDowell High School in 1981 and went to Ohio Valley Beauty College. She was a hair stylist for many years, working for herself and many other beauty shops. Melinda also taught at Preston’s Beauty Academy, worked at Putnam Elementary until it closed and then worked for Ketel 1 Teamwear until her illness. She enjoyed boating and camping, but loved her family and friends most of all.

She is survived by her husband, Randy E. Hockenberry, whom she married on January 13, 1983; daughter, Brandy McBride (Jason); one granddaughter, Jocelyn McBride; one brother, Larry “Stevie” Spears; mother-in-law, Joyce Hockenberry; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Scott and Diane Hockenberry, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Abiding with her wishes, cremation arrangements have been made with the MARIETTA CHAPEL OF CAWLEY & PEOPLES FUNERAL HOME and a celebration of life will be announced at a later time.

Her family would like to thank everyone at Marietta Memorial, Ketel 1 Teamwear and Grant Medical Center, for their exceptional care and friendship. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ohio Valley Humane Society in her memory. Cawley & Peoples is honored to serve Melinda’s family and offers online condolences as well as many other resources by visiting www.CawleyandPeoples.com or by following their Facebook page.