Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Melanie Arlene Hartwick, 54

Melanie Arlene Hartwick was born in Little Rock Arkansas on February 5, 1964 to the late Betty Jo and Travis Hartwick. She was the youngest of three children. She is survived by her brother Herbert Newman and her sister Melissa Hartwick Fowler, and her two beloved fur babies Boudreaux and Miley who she often referred to as “angels in disguise”, along with her two fish, Lucy and Boggle Eyes.

Growing up alongside her siblings and near to her cousins she loved playing outdoors, riding motorcycles through the woods, and finding stray dogs to love and care for. She has always had a deep love for animals and often nursed the neighborhood dogs back to health. Melanie was a tomboy at heart however that didn’t detract from her natural beauty. Her bright green eyes and radiating smile could light up anyone’s day, and she could style her hair and makeup like a professional.  After spending some time in the Army, Melanie became a Licensed Professional Nurse and later went back to school to become a RN. She worked for Jennings Osborne as a research nurse, and an industrial nurse for the railroad and Tyson Foods. One thing is for certain she undoubtedly had a heart for nursing, and shared her love and sense of humor through her care to her patients.

She is survived by her nephews and nieces Mark Jr., Dillon, and Trevor Jenkins, Joe and Cherish Newman, Sarah Newman Sheets, Anna Fowler Cornelison, Paula Vasquez, and her two God daughters Courtney Valdez and Amber Turner; all whom she loved dearly. She was a most beloved sister, aunt, and friend. We will never forget her shining personality from her animated stories and jokes, to her funny voices, and her dance moves of course!

Not only was she a great story teller, she had such an infectious laugh. If she began to laugh about something so did everyone else around her. Many share the same wonderful memories of being out on the lake with Melanie. Boating was one of her absolute favorite hobbies and she loved taking friends and family out on her boat at Lake Ouachita for a fun day soaking up the sun. Swimming, tubing, and snorkeling.  She often reflected back to those lake days as “the good ole days” and said some of her best memories were made on the lake alongside her people. So much so that she bought a houseboat in 2013 where she lived for a time back on Ouachita and made many new friends.

Melanie lived what most would call a short life and gone too soon, but she made an entire lifetime worth of memories with her loved ones and friends.  What stands out most about Melanie’s life was her love and adoration for the Lord Jesus. She brought many people to Christ by sharing His message of truth and love. Mel could talk for hours about God’s goodness and have a scripture for anything you were going through. Her eyes would literally sparkle when she opened the Bible to read a specific passage. She talked to God like He was truly her best friend.

Although her life wasn’t without struggle she never lost her faith, and often yearned for the day when she could be with Jesus, her savior and friend. Well today she is with her best friend and savior Jesus Christ, all her pain is gone and she has been made new. We can only imagine her joy at meeting her Heavenly Father face to face. She is home.

A casual, drop-in Celebration of Her Life will be held on Sunday, August 5, at 2:00 P.M. at Lakewood House, 4801 North Hills Blvd, North Little Rock, Arkansas.

 

 

 

7 Comments

  • Deborah S Bradshaw Posted August 2, 2018 10:07 PM

    Debbie and Michael Bradshaw

  • Debbie Bradshaw Posted August 2, 2018 10:13 PM

    I love and miss you Melbo, no more pain, no more pain! I know Jesus was there with you with open arms!

  • Angela Lowe Posted August 7, 2018 8:07 PM

    Always loved you, sweet Mel. Always will

  • E J Oldner Posted August 8, 2018 4:31 AM

    I’m so sorry I lost touch. You were such a fun person to be with. Rest easy.

  • Gayle Posted August 8, 2018 8:10 AM

    Melanie had such a beautiful soul and spirit and of course her smile was contagious! RIL with you Lord and Savior your finally home.

  • Nancy M Johnson Posted September 24, 2018 10:27 AM

    Mel I just learned of your passing and I was shocked and saddened. I know you had struggles. As I read about your commitment to the Lord, I know you got your angel wings and you are sharing that infectious smile. Mel take those angel wing and soar!! Till we meet again.
    Nancy

  • Sarah Posted February 5, 2019 1:30 PM

    Love and miss you Aunt Mel.

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