Melody Kay Cram

Melody Kay Cram, 68, passed away on Saturday November 1, 2025 (All Saints Day) at Hot Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hot Springs, Montana, of natural causes.

She was born January 5, 1957, in Spokane, Washington, to Viola and Archie Cram. Her infancy was ordinary. We did not know that she was developmentally disabled until she was a toddler. But once the details of Melody’s condition emerged, her parents worked hard to give her the support she needed. There was no clear path to know what was best for her. She lived at home with her parents and older siblings Gary and Gayle in Spokane in the early years and then later when the family moved to Missoula, Montana when she was about seven to a more rural setting, an environment which afforded her more freedom. Archie built a business there and selflessly welcomed Melody to hang around the workplace while giving Viola some down time.

As she grew older, Melody moved into a few group homes in Missoula. After that she relocated to a state school for the developmentally disabled in Boulder, Montana. She came home to Missoula regularly, especially during the holidays and for other special events. Eventually she found her forever home at Hot Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center where she was lovingly welcomed and looked after for many years until her passing. The staff there describes her as always happy, a delight, and an anchor, and that she was hard not to bond closely with. We miss her gentle soul.

Melody was laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Survivors include her mother Viola Cram, siblings Gary Cram, Gayle Verworn, Wanda Foust, and extended family.