Melinda Elizabeth Maroney Fife, of Odessa, Texas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday July 12, 2026.

Melinda was born in Farmington, New Mexico on November 15, 1957. She moved to Odessa as a child and proudly called West Texas home for the rest of her life.

While attending Permian High School, Melinda met the love of her life, Tom Fife, on a blind date. They married in 1976 and made their home in Goldsmith, Texas, where they shared a lifetime of love together.

Melinda devoted several years to serving children through Ector County ISD. She was known for her patience, steady guidance, and gentle but firm nature. She had a special way of connecting with children, and many were better for having known her.

She found joy in the arts, theater, crafting, and traveling. Some of her fondest memories were made with her family. From thrilling roller coaster rides with her boys to gathering around the table during the holidays, her happiest moments were always those spent with family. As the years passed, nothing brought her greater joy than becoming “Meme.” Her grandchildren, who lovingly called her by that name, were the light of her life and her greatest treasure.

Melinda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom Fife; her mother, Margaret Glandon; her father, Hoyt Maroney; and her brothers, Mark Maroney and Michael Maroney.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Daniel Fife and wife Amanda of Midland, and Doug Fife and wife Stephanie of Houston; her grandchildren, Kyler Fife and wife Kenyah of Washington DC, and Nolan and Peyton Fife of Midland; her sisters, Marilyn Shults and husband David of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Jan McCrea and husband Marc of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Melissa Maroney and husband Adam Rodriguez of Irving, Texas; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Visitation will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa. Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, with Pastor Shane Branecky.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Manor Park and Hospice of Midland for the exceptional care and kindness that they provided to Melinda.