Melanie K. Conaway

Melanie K. Conaway, 62, of Willard, passed away on November 9, 2026, under the care of Southern Care Hospice, at home surrounded by family. Born on August 26, 1964, in Norwalk, she was the daughter of Randall Garner Sr. and Virginia (nee Coy) Garner. Melanie grew up in North Fairfield and was a 1982 graduate of South Central High School and later Heidelberg College.

Melanie began her career in social work before becoming a school counselor, which eventually led her to becoming a principal. She spent 7 years as a counselor and 10 years as a principal at Western Reserve school systems before retiring in 2018. Melanie was an active member of the Foundation Church in Norwalk, where she was involved with their Grace Group ministry and the Legacy Builders. Her community was an important part of her life, and she enjoyed being involved with the North Fairfield Improvement Group. She was involved with the cancer survivors non-profit WHYME. Melanie was an avid sports fan and enjoyed cheering on the Browns and the Buckeyes. Her circle of family and friends were central to her life and she cherished the campouts and the get togethers she hosted, especially when she could make a smoked brisket for all to enjoy.

Survivors include her loving husband of 33 years, Tim Conaway; her father and stepmother, Randall and Jan Garner; siblings, Randy (Terry) Garner Jr, Marcia Osborn, and Robin (Scott) Shepherd; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cynthia Dennewitz, Bryan Conaway, Randall Conaway, and Constance (Russell) Fritz; and numerous nieces and nephews. Melanie was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Garner; mother and father-in-law, Russell and Janet Conaway; and brother-in-law, Roger “Chub” Osborn.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, November 13, from 10 a.m. until the time of a memorial service beginning at 1 p.m. at the Foundation Church, 535 US Route 20, Norwalk, 44857. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to either, WHYME, 401 West Main St. Norwalk, or to the North Fairfield Improvement, 334 State Route 162 East, North Fairfield, 44855. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com.