John R. Pelley, 59, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 2, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 13, 1950, to Bill and Patty Pelley in Seattle, where he spent his youth and attended school. John spent some time in New Orleans working as a painter and roofer. John moved back to Washington State in 1985, and went to work at J.N. Vail Roofing. He also worked at Great Northern Roofing in Cashmere. In 1988, John and Dorothy Melton started their courtship and, on September 26, 1991, their daughter was born; the bright spot of his life. She was his everything. John quit roofing and went to work at Wenatchee Valley College in 2006, until illness forced him to take a leave of absence. John had a friend who would often say, "Start out slow and taper off." John liked to use this quote as well. John loved to fish, go camping and picnicking. He always wanted to catch the biggest fish, so he could brag about it to his nephews. John loved his family.

John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his soulmate, Dorothy Melton and his daughter, Aggie Melton of the home; his sisters, Marcia Pelley and Mary Lang, both of Seattle; brothers, Joe Pelley of Elmira and Lars Pelley of Plain; and his extended family of nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, mother-in-law and numerous friends.

A Memorial Service will be held in the Spring, with a picnic for family and friends celebrating all that took place in our journey. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity or organization of your choice. Ward's Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth, is assisting with the arrangements.

John, we will miss you and know we'll be together again. We love you. ~ Your girls, Dot and Ags