Melody Ann Suthers

MC FARLAND-Melody Ann Suthers, age 55, of McFarland, passed away peacefully, after a long and courageous battle with cancer on Friday, Oct. 9, 2015, at Karmenta. She was born on July 27, 1960, in Sheboygan, Wis., to Richard and Nancy Ruppel. The family moved to Ohio, Minnesota, and Iowa before settling in the Madison area. Melody graduated high school in Hudson, Iowa in 1978. She received her LPN nursing certificate from Marshalltown, Iowa Community College in 1980, followed by her Wisconsin LPN license in 1981. After several years of nursing, she began working for the State of Wisconsin in various healthcare administration positions and was most recently a program and policy analyst for the managed care section. Melody was very fond of her co-workers. She loved plants and flowers of all kinds and was an avid doll collector. Melody is survived by her husband, Gilbert John Suthers; son, Jonathon Packard; stepsons, Douglas (Brenda) Suthers and Daniel (Christina) Suthers; brother, Gregory (Lisa) Ruppel; brother-in-law, Terry (Mary Jane) Suthers; father-in-law, Gilbert Suthers; mother-in-law, Rachel Suthers; and numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 6 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, with the Rev. Brad Van Fossen presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. A private burial will be held at a later date. Melody was especially grateful for the doctors, nurses and staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Clinic at 1 S. Park St., Madison, Wis. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420