Tributes

Diana Lee Melko, 86, of Wheeling, WV, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday July 30, 2025, at 12:38 am, surrounded by her devoted husband David Melko, and loving daughters Michelle Hamilton, Karen Griffin, and Christine Lamboy. Born on February 28, 1939, in Bridgeport, Ohio, Diana was the cherished daughter of the late Leona and Andrew Kordack, and beloved sister of the late Gary Kordack. She was a proud graduate of Academy High School, where she began shaping a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Diana met the love of her life, David, as a teenager at a sock hop dance, and from that moment on, they were inseparable. They shared a remarkable 70 years together and were joyfully married for 65 years, building a life filled with unwavering devotion, laughter, and deep affection. Diana often said she loved David unconditionally, and they lived every day of their life together with that same boundless love. She worked for many years at Wheeling Hospital as a typist and dietary aide, always bringing warmth and compassion to those around her. Diana also taught aerobics, inspiring many with her energy and enthusiasm, and later found joy working with children at The Kids Club daycare, where she shared her love and kindness every day. Diana had a playful and generous spirit. She loved word scramble puzzles, traveling, especially on cruises with her husband and friends, and had a deep affection for music and singing. She loved to pray the rosary and found strength in her faith. A passionate gardener, Diana always made sure her home was filled with beauty, warmth, and comfort. She adored angels, collecting thousands of them - each one lovingly named. Now, she is among them, watching over her family as a guardian angel herself. Above all, family was her world. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who always put others before herself. Diana poured her heart into her family, leading by example, shaping her daughters into strong, compassionate women. She was a role model of grace, strength, and unconditional love. She is survived by her loving husband, David Melko; her daughters and son-in-laws; Michelle (Richard “Red”) Hamilton, Karen (Jon) Griffin, Christine (John) Lamboy; and is preceded in death by Christine’s late husband Richie Garcia; six grandchildren; Tiffany Ellis, Rick Hamilton, Jonathan Griffin II, Jordan Griffin, Lilliana Garcia, Cheech Garcia; four great-grandchildren; Paxton Ellis, Jasiah Griffin, Doss Griffin, and Banks Griffin; sister; Judy Griffin; and brother Andrew Kordack. She will be missed more than words can express, but her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely. Family will receive friends Friday August 1, 2025 from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm at Grisell Funeral Home and Crematory 1 Ridgecrest Rd Wheeling/Bethlehem, WV, where prayer service will be recited at 7:30pm. Funeral liturgy with mass will be celebrated Saturday August 2, 2025 at 10:00am at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church 690 Mt. Olivet Rd, Wheeling, WV, with Father George as celebrant. Interment will follow immediately after the service at Mt. Calvary Cemetery Wheeling, WV. A luncheon reception will be held at Our Lady of Peace, Battaglino Hall immediately following the interment. Memorial contributions: the family kindly requests that expressions of sympathy be shared in a personal way that brings comfort and peace. Your prayers, memories, and presence during this time mean more than words can say. Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes.com

Tributes

Diana Lee Melko

February 28, 1939 - July 30, 2025