Melanie Jo Edwards

Melanie Jo Edwards Van Biljon, 37, of Ogallala, passed away peacefully Friday, December 9, 2016, in the Ogallala Community Hospital.

Melanie was born July 29, 1979 in Ogallala. She received her early education in Ogallala until the family moved to Gering, NE, in 1991. After graduating from high school in 1998, she continued her education at Western Nebraska Community College in the University of Nebraska Medical Center nursing program.

She was employed as a nurse for several years until her health forced her to retire. Melanie enjoyed life to the fullest and she enjoyed many activities. Her hobbies were fishing and having fun at Lake McConaughy. Her greatest love was her family including her loving husband Paul and three beautiful children Alyssa, Macy, and Landon.

Preceding her in death were her grandfathers Kenneth Hickam and Stephen Witko and her grandmother Lois Edwards.

Survivors include her husband Paul Van Biljon, children Alyssa, Macy, and Landon, her parents Dan and Cheri Witko of Gering; her biological father George (wife Lynn) Edwards of Hill City, SD; sister Kay (Matt) Bohl of Cheyenne, WY; brothers Brian (Kristen) Edwards of Laramie, WY and Michael (Bridget) Witko of Longmont, CO.; grandmother Doris Hickam, grandfather Harold Edwards, both of Ogallala. Melanie had four nephews that she adored: Mikhail and Dade Bohl of Cheyenne, WY and Ben and Luke Witko of Longmont, CO.

 Per Melanie's request, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be Wednesday, December 14, at 10:30 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Chuck Rager officiating.

Online condolences may be sent to webmaster@drauckerfh.com or by signing the Guest Book found at www.drauckerfh.com. The service will be live streamed from www.drauckerfh.com as well as from methodistchurchogallala.com, for those unable to attend.

Memorials may be sent to Melanie's family at 1020 East 8th Street, Ogallala, NE 69153.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is entrusted with the arrangements.

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