1948 - June 22, 2016
Renee Lovet Melton passed away on Wednesday, June 22 at her home in Lake Havasu City. She bravely fought lung cancer for over 5 years.
She was a member of the Havasu 4-Wheelers Club and explored the area trails by using oxygen devices to assist her breathing. She also enjoyed boating in the Pacific northwest, Canada, and our own Lake Havasu, again with portable oxygen. It is rumored that she rode with a crowd known as the ‘Half-Fast Geezers.’ Her recipe collection was coveted by the lucky few she cooked for and shared with. She loved terriers, some cats, bird watching, reading, most white wines - but not the sweet ones.
Renee was an original Sky Marshall in the 70’s and went on to a 35 year career as a federal officer with the US Customs being stationed in Blaine, WA. She was proud to blaze a trail for women in law enforcement at the federal level, retiring in 2007 as an Import Specialist-Analyst.
In 1948 Renee was born to Sharon J. Krolikowski and Darwin W. Lovet of Hamtramck, MI. Growing up in Detroit gave her a love of cars; her uncle was a craftsman working on the full-scale models of design concepts.
Renee finished college at University of North Texas before entering the civil service. She worked many jobs to this end including selling encyclopedias door-to-door, driving a roach coach truck, and part-time for the IRS. Her job with the Customs Department sent her to the west coast where she settled in Birch Bay by the mid 70’s. She and her husband, Norm McQuade owned several boats to cruise the San Juan Islands until his passing in 2004.
In 2007 Renee re-married and later discovered Lake Havasu, AZ as a winter escape plan. They owned a home on the south side until deciding to move permanently to a larger house north of town.
Renee was described by her many friends as witty with a special sense of humor. One day she bumped butts with a stranger at a crowded garage sale then turned around to ask, ”Was it good for you too?” The gentleman gasped and replied, “Yes Ma’am!” They became friends of the family and remain so to this day.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Sharon Snell, in 2011. No services are planned. In lieu of flowers she would have appreciated donations to the Western Arizona Humane Society, 1100 Empire Dr, LHC 86404 or just pour a favorite beverage and enjoy one for her memory.
