Melinda Leann Ray-McFadden, 55 of Lakeland, FL passed away on July 20th, 2021 at Lakeland Regional Health in Lakeland, FL.

Leann was born on January 19th, 1966 in Chillicothe, Ohio. She was a member of the Class of 1984 at Kathleen Senior High School and one of her greatest joys from that time was being part of the Red Devil Marching Band. Leann went on to graduate from Polk Community College with a nursing degree and worked for many years as a NICU RN for Lakeland Regional Health and then Winter Haven Women's Hospital. She returned to Polk State while continuing to work full time and graduated with a BSN in 2015. Leann loved being a mother above anything else and was always helping others first.

Leann is survived by her parents Eunice & Howard Wood of Lakeland, FL and Jerry Ray of Columbus, OH, husband Kevin McFadden of Lakeland, FL, sons Aaron Elliott, Danny McFadden, Joseph McFadden, daughters Tabitha Elliott, Roxanne McFadden, Layla McFadden, brother Lewis Ray, sister Stephanie Latta, 4 grandchildren & 3 nephews.

A celebration of Leann's life will be held Friday, August 13m at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home, Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Road. Visitation will be from 5-6:00 PM, with a service to follow at 6:00PM.