Glenda Gail Melanson

Glenda Gail Melanson, age 64 of Baldwin City, Kansas passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024. A private Celebration Of Life will be held by family. Memorial contributions may be made to Prairie Paws in care of Wilson’s, PO Box 486, Wellsville, KS 66092.

Glenda Gale Melanson was born May 2, 1959, the daughter of William Leslie and Billie Margarite (Combs) Melanson. Glenda grew up in Fruita, Colorado and graduated from Fruita Monument High School in 1977. After high school she spent several years with an exploration group travelling around many states exploring mapping and minerals. In 1984, she moved to Kansas and July 4, 1986, she married Roger Dennis Mullen. To this union, two sons were born. They later divorced.

Glenda drove a school bus for the USD 289 district for many years and also worked for short times at Classic Distinctions Salon, Caseys and Central Fiber in Wellsville. She worked for Bryan-Ohlmeier, building bridges for several years, followed by her employment at KDOT for four years. She was employed with Anthony Construction Management for 10 years until the company closed. Glenda continued working in construction and was currently employed as a Lead Safety Inspector for BHC out of Overland Park.

On November 12, 2008, she married James Alan Brightman. They were married almost 16 years before her passing. They enjoyed many years of travelling including their numerous visits to Jamaica and adventures in many mountainous regions in the US and abroad. They were looking forward to more travel after her retirement. She loved live music and attending local shows was a favorite of hers. Glenda loved being outdoors, feeding the birds, having her backyard fires, and spending time with her family and friends. She was an amazing cook and a mother to many. A motherly, gentle, kind, and genuinely loving human being. Those who were privileged enough to have been on the receiving end of her generous, peaceful kindness and love will forever be grateful for the place she will hold in their hearts.

Glenda is survived by her husband, Jim Brightman of Independence, MO; son, Mason Mullen of Valdez, AK; Paul Mullen of Overland Park; sister, Mona Palmer (Sam) of Montrose, CO; many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Dean Melanson (1994) and Monte Melanson (2024).

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