Melinda Criswell - Headstone Picture - Christmas
Submitted by Glenn Rice and Lena (Stone) Criswell

Melinda Criswell - Headstone Picture
Submitted by Glenn Rice and Lena (Stone) Criswell

CRISWELL -- Melinda Criswell, 53, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2004 as a result of a tragic accident. She was struck by an automobile while walking from the grocery store on Wednesday, January 21. Melinda is survived by her parents, Glenn R. and Lena Stone Criswell, two sisters, Cathy Criswell Harper and Bonnie Criswell Mares and her husband, Edward S. Mares and nephew, Richard Matthew Harper; nieces, Laura and Kimberly Mares, all residents of Albuquerque. She is also survived by loyal friend, George Lucero of Albuquerque and her faithful old dog “Tess.” She was preceded in death by her grandparents, T. T. and Amelia McKinley Criswell and Charley D. and Lella Bowers Stone, all of Falls County, TX. Melinda was born in Marlin, Falls Co., TX on March 31, 1950. After living in Victoria and Houston, TX, she moved with her family to Albuquerque in 1954 at four years of age. She attended Albuquerque Public Schools and the University of New Mexico. After marriage, Melinda continued her education at California State University then graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977. She was employed as a legal assistant in Los Angeles before returning to Albuquerque in 1981 when she worked at the local newspaper publishing company and did free lance writing before forming a contract office services business. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Melinda had a life long love of animals and nature. She pursued her interest in creative artistic endeavors and art history throughout her life. In high school she volunteered as a Candy Striper at Presbyterian Hospital and was a volunteer tutor in the Albuquerque Public Schools System. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE with the Reverend Norton Scrimshire of Trinity United Methodist Church officiating with Assistant Pastor Mark Mason of Calvary Chapel of Rio Rancho. Friends may visit French Mortuary – Wyoming Blvd Chapel on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Animal Humane Association of New Mexico, 615 Virginia SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 French Mortuary 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE 823-9400