Rita Trafton Melson
Rita Trafton Melson, 75, of Canonsburg, passed away peacefully, in her home, Sunday, February 5, 2023. She was born in Minneapolis, Minn., the oldest daughter of the late Harold and Rita Crothers Trafton.
Rita was dearly loved by her partner, John “Jack” McConughay of 22 years; and two daughters, Wendy (Doug) Talmonti and Tracy Melson. She is survived by her grandchildren, Crystal (Mike) Hopkins, Melissa (Shane) Kelley, Dylan McMonagle, Meghan Kelley and Jakob McMonagle; and her great-grandchildren, William, Dominick, Elizabeth, Theresa, Christopher; and her siblings, Harold, Marvin and Mark Trafton, and Nan Trafton Carstens.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Steven Trafton.
While Rita’s family grieves their loss, they are choosing to remember her in a way that honors her spirit. Rita had a great love for her cats and aiding orphaned cats/kittens as well as supporting Native American Indian culture.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to one of Rita’s beloved charities: Fix ‘Ur Cat at Fixurcat.org/howtohelp, St. Labre Indian School at stlabre.org, or St. Joseph’s Indian School at stjo.org/culture.
A viewing will be held from 3 to 7 p.m., the time of a blessing service, Monday, February 13, in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra LFD, owner / supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120. All are welcome. Interment will be private.