Obituary of Melinda Rae Riesenberg

Melinda Rae Buchanan Riesenberg, 57, of Walton, KY, passed away August 28, 2017. 

She was born January 16, 1960 in Ashland, KY and was the daughter of Edward (Olga) Buchanan and Ramona Buchanan (Elmer) Kann. 

She was a graduate of Paul G. Blazer High School in Ashland and received a master’s degree in Public History from Northern Kentucky University.

Melinda always had a great interest in history and family genealogy and was the author of two books about Walton and Gallatin County in addition to numerous local history articles. 

She enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, working on home improvement projects, and watching the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals, and, most of all, University of Kentucky basketball.  Her greatest joy, however, was spending time with her family, especially her grandson. Melinda was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Mike Riesenberg; children, John Sartwell and Kellie Sartwell; sister, Leslie (Andy) Wermeling; grandson, Axton; niece, Maddie Wermeling; cousin, Gwen (Don) Frazier; stepchildren, Rebecca, Julia, and Jordan Riesenberg; numerous other relatives and friends.

A visitation for Melinda will take place from 12:00 pm until time of the funeral service at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Home, 45 North Main Street, Walton. 

Memorials in Melinda’s name may be given to the charity of the donor’s choice.