Melanie Marie Raudenbush-Muse, 61, went to join her Lord and Savior on Friday, July 19, 2024. Born on April 7, 1963, she was the daughter of the late Wilmer and MaryAnne Raudenbush. She was married to her beloved husband, William Muse, who survives at home after sharing nearly 33 years of marriage together.
Melanie was born and raised in Philadelphia. After surviving 12 years of Catholic School and graduating from St. Huberts in 1981, Melanie attended Kutztown State University on an athletic scholarship, playing field hockey and lacrosse. She then transferred to Temple University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. degree in Therapeutic Recreation in 1986. She then began her long career of helping others, working with differently abled individuals in a variety of settings. She continued her athletic exploits in various recreational leagues, playing flag football, softball, and volleyball. At one point she was coached by her husband in flag football and softball, marking perhaps the only times he was in charge.
In 1994 she and her family relocated to Bellefonte, PA. Melanie then embraced the difficult job of being a full-time mother and guiding her children through their myriad of health issues. She was also a constant companion at their athletic and extracurricular activities, supporting them during football, swimming, baseball, band, choir, and dance. She found time to be a football coach, but what was very important to her was her faith and serving the church. She was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bellefonte, serving as a Deacon and an Elder. She returned to work in 2014, serving as an area coordinator for Parent to Parent, but as her own health issues worsened, she had to focus on herself. She was the strongest woman in the world, facing each new trial with an indomitable spirit and never wavering faith.
In addition to her husband, William, she is survived by their children: Justin, Erica Johnson (husband Caleb and grandson Maximillian), Brandon, and Dylan. Also surviving are her siblings, Mary Alice Raudenbush (partner John Swarner), Mark Raudenbush (wife Tessi, nephew Matthew, and niece Jordan), Martin Raudenbush (wife Joanna), and Matthew Raudenbush (wife Amy, niece Melynda and nephew Kyle).
Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her in-laws, Richard and Nancy Muse.
There will be public viewings held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte. An additional viewing will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, at the funeral home, with the funeral service to directly follow with Presbyterian Lay Minister Candace Danneker officiating. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
Melanie’s family would like to thank Centre Care and the Mt. Nittany Medical Center for the compassionate care that they provided to Melanie during her final days.