Melinda Ely, 70

Melinda Ely, 70 of Madisonville, KY passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at her residence. She was born January 9, 1956, in Burlington, VT to the late Paul Machia and Marlene Cota Densmore. Mrs. Ely worked at Brighton Cornerstone Healthcare, where she was famous for loving the patients. She took joy in every activity they held for the residents and would often surprise them by wearing crazy outfits. Melinda was an “adventurer.” She loved wandering with her family, often not knowing the destination beforehand. She had a love for gardening and anything involving butterflies. She is survived by her husband of over 30 years, Joe Ely; daughter, Amy (Jeremiah) Jeffers of Newburgh, IN; sons, Matthew (Sarah) Moultroup of Richmond, VT and Adam Moultroup of West Chazy, NY; brother, Bill Machia and Rodney Hyden; and grandchildren, Abby Weston, Robby Weston, Iris Moultroup, Ethan Moultroup, Ginny Moultroup, and Hank Moultroup. Services for the family were provided by Barnett-Strother Funeral Home and Crematory in Madisonville.