Melody Barrett

Melody Ann Hattori Barrett
July 15, 1961 – September 24, 2026
Age 65 Beloved Daughter, Sister, and Wife

On July 15, 1961, Takash Hattori and Sumiko “Sumi” Iwaasa welcomed Melody Ann into their California home, along with her big sister, Karen. Melody was born with a cleft palate and a hole in the roof of her mouth, and she struggled with a speech impediment. Karen remembered that life often seemed harder for Melody, yet she was usually happy and positive.

Raised in Torrance, California, Melody loved animals. When she and Karen received a puppy that would curl into a circle with his tail across his body while napping, they named him Pretzel. Repeated illnesses caused Melody to miss so much school one year that she had to repeat a grade. Still, she persevered and graduated from West High School in Torrance in 1980. As her mother once said, “One thing you should know about Melody—she is very determined.”

Her speech impediment brought challenges in several jobs. Eventually, Melody trained in data entry—work she could do with her hands—and she loved it. She also served as co-chair for church activities in her singles ward. On Sundays, she attended church with her parents in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

One Sunday at church, two widowed sisters approached Michael Barrett with a matchmaking twinkle in their eyes and said, “We think you and Melody would make a great little couple.” Mike had noticed Melody and said hello to her a few times, so he soon asked her to dinner. After six months of dating, Mike followed the advice of a respected friend and Bishop: “If you want to do anything spiritual or very important, do it on the temple grounds.”

On December 2, 2000, Mike took Melody to the Los Angeles Temple grounds and proposed near the front entrance. That evening, at a ward party, Melody shared the news with her friend Donna. The two girlfriends twirled and danced in excitement as the happy news quickly spread through their ward family.

Melody told Mike he could choose their wedding date, so he wisely selected the day before her birthday—ensuring he would always remember both important dates. On July 14, 2001, Melody and Mike emerged from the doors of the Los Angeles Temple, happily married and carrying red flowers. Red was Melody’s favorite color, reflecting her July birthstone, the ruby. The next morning, on her birthday, she woke beside her sweetheart.

Mike and Melody began their 25 years together in the Redondo Beach, California, home where Mike was raised. Early in their marriage, “My Special Angel” by Bobby Helms became Mike’s song for Melody. Every time he heard it, he thought of her as his special angel.

In 2011, they moved to Utah and were warmly received by their church family in Springville. Melody was active in the Springcreek 17th Ward and loved supporting the missionaries. As Relief Society Historian, she often wrote summaries of lessons and talks for those who could not attend church. Mike worked in the church library, sharing candy and smiles with many children.

Mike and Melody enjoyed spending time together over Mexican food from La Casita and El Pollo Loco, as well as burgers and fries at the Springville Burger King—especially the fries.

On her 65th birthday this past July, Melody woke up excited to receive Medicare. Her knees had become painful and made it difficult for her to move around. Mike treated her to breakfast in bed: scrambled eggs, toast, and jam.

While battling pneumonia in the hospital, Melody received visits from family and church friends, including a tender visit from her beloved Bishop, Fernando Silva, who gave her a beautiful priesthood blessing. Her loved ones tearfully waited for a miracle or for the will of the Lord. A short time later, Melody passed away surrounded by Mike, her sister Karen, and her brother-in-law, Roy Dickson, on September 24, 2026.

Mike and Melody celebrated 25 years of marriage this past July and look forward to an eternity together following this tender season of separation.

From Mike: “God be with you till we meet again, dear Melody, my Special Angel.”

Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
760 North 400 East, Springville, Utah

Organist: Michele Mertz
Chorister: Lyn Fischer
Conducting: Bishop Fernando Silva

Opening Hymn: “O My Father” (Hymn #292)

Invocation: Nicole McFarland, Ward Sister

Talks:

Dawn Douglas, Ward Sister
Lorinne Morris, Ward Sister
Roy Dickson, Brother-in-law
Musical Number: “Abide with Me”
Performed by Shayla Payne, Niece, and Scott Payne, Nephew-in-law
Accompanied by Angie Cauble

Closing Remarks: Bishop Fernando Silva

Closing Hymn: “God Be with You Till We Meet Again” (Hymn #152)

Benediction: Todd Fischio, Elders Quorum Presiden