Melanie Lawshe’-Riedinger, 53

On Sunday, June 27, 2021, Melanie Lawshe’-Riedinger won her five-year battle with cancer.

Born on Feb. 17, 1967, in Corning, New York, Melanie was the second of five siblings. After moving to Kalispell in 1976, Melanie attended West Valley School, Kalispell Junior High School, and graduated from Flathead High School in 1985.

After high school, Melanie traveled to Denver and worked in the corporate world for a time. She then traveled to Alaska, where she explored the world of commercial fishing. Melanie was also an integral part of the Salt Circus Bonneville Racing team created by her father, Hank Lawshe’, and George Campbell. She was extremely proud to be part of a team that holds three land speed records on the Bonneville Salt Flats and that she earned her 200mph license on the Salt Flats in the family race car Salt Shadow number 117.

Melanie worked various careers throughout her life, but the one she had the most pride in was being a wife and mother and taking care of her family. On Sept. 21, 1991, Melanie married the love of her life, Mike Riedinger. With this union, Melanie became the proud “bonus mom” to daughters Destiny and Mikelle, and in 2001, Mike and Melanie were blessed with the arrival of daughter Aurora. For almost 30 years, Mike was her beloved “Boss Man” and she was his right-hand gal. Melanie loved being a mother and Aunt Moo Moo to all of “her” kids. She was always good for a cheese burrito, quesadillas, and many popsicles. Moo Moo’s kids are going to miss her terribly. Moo Moo lived a life full of love and adventure. She rarely met a stranger and has a huge extended chosen family.

She battled cancer for five years ferociously, refusing to give in and squeezing every single extra second that she could get out of what she called “this beautiful life.” She lived life on her terms, and she left this life exactly the same way.

Melanie is survived by her mother, Patricia Lawshe’; husband, Mike Riedinger; daughters, Destiny (Brad) Townsend, Mikelle (Waylon) Eckley and Aurora Riedinger (Jasper Hart); siblings, Kym Lawshe’ (Marvin Loftis), Jed (Kanisa) Lawshe’, Jodi (Alfred) Marsh and Hawke (Amanda) Lawshe’; soul sister, Marty Moore (Loren Beaudoin) who was right beside her every step of the way over the past five years, and brother-in-law Joe Dimmer. Melanie is also survived by five grandchildren, of whom she was very proud and loved dearly along with numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and hundreds of chosen family members.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents on both sides, father Hank Lawshe’, bonus dad Ron Peters, brother AJ Peters, nephews Adler and Henry and many friends way too soon. We know she’s having the time of her life hanging out with all of them.

We love you, Moo.

A celebration of Melanie’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest donations to the Wings Cancer Foundation or the North West Montana Veteran’s Food Pantry.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.