Melody Ley Walden, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and artist, passed away on July 21, 2026, at the age of 80 in Port Hueneme, California. Her friends and family will forever treasure the love, creativity, warmth and joy she brought to their lives.

Born Melody Ley McRae on June 9, 1946, in Reedley, California, she was the daughter of Jack and Lucille McRae. Melody lived primarily in Santa Barbara and Eugene, Lincoln City, and Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Melody graduated from San Marcos High School in 1964. She later studied art and graduated from the University of Oregon. Melody was a talented, accomplished artist and an adored teacher.

She loved the ocean, and it became a major inspiration for her artwork. Living in Japan sparked a lasting fascination with Japanese art and culture, an experience that also deeply influenced her work.

She is survived by her husband Jeff Walden; children Jennifer O’Day and Zachary Vishanoff; grandchildren Annasophia and Miles O’Day; brother Michael McRae; sister-in-law Cheryl McRae; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Lucille McRae, and brothers Mark and Mitch McRae.

Melody will not only be remembered for the beauty she created, but also for her kindness and compassion.

A small, private service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in Melody’s memory.