Melanie Neeley Del Balso 11/16/1952 - 8/31/2025

How can a lifetime of 72 beautiful years - a life so well-lived by such an extraordinary woman be captured in just a few words on a newspaper page? Melanie Neeley Del Balso passed away on August 31, 2025 in Roseville, CA with her family by her side. Melanie was born on November 16, 1952 in Spokane, WA, the daughter of Carletta and Thomas (Don) Neeley. She graduated from University High School where she was active in music and drama activities. She played the string bass in the Spokane Junior Symphony and also played the piano and violin. She attended Spokane Falls Community College and became the first female student body president in the school's history.Her life changed forever when she found herself on the steps of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, graduating in March 1976. While there, she met Richard Del Balso, who was in his final year at Palmer. They were married on July 10, 1976 in Spokane. After his graduation in June 1977, the couple moved to her home town of Spokane to establish their own family practice. They alternated treating patients in their clinic while raising three children in their early years - Collin, Brett and Danielle. They followed their dream to Auburn, California in 1989, starting Health First Chiropractic and continuing to work side by side for another 23 years. Melanie was a volunteer member of the Placer County Search and Rescue for 15 years, as well as the Placer County Tobacco Free Coalition. The couple retired from active practice in 2012 after Melanie was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. They remained active in the community for another 12 years, eventually moving to Lincoln, CA in January 2023 until her passing. She is survived by her husband, Richard Del Balso; son Collin (CJ) and his wife LaShanda and daughter Chassity; son Brett and his three sons Austin, Jonathan, and Caleb; and daughter Danielle and her husband Nick and sons Porter and Fletcher. Also her brother Carl Neeley (Ferndale, CA). She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas 'Don' Neeley, and mother, Carletta Taylor. A celebration of Melanie's beautiful life and legacy for family and friends will take place on October 11, 2 to 5 pm, at Pioneer United Methodist Church in Auburn. She graciously asked that any donations in her name be sent to your local chapter of the SPCA.