Connie Jean (George) Melton, born November 23, 1945, in Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and adventure.
Connie grew up on a dairy farm where she loved riding her horse and helped raise and milk Holstein cattle, instilling in her a lifelong respect for hard work, animals, and the land. That early life on the farm shaped her deeply and became a foundation for the values she carried throughout her life.
Connie graduated from Lawrence High School in 1963. With her lifelong love of animals, Connie pursued a career as a veterinary technician, caring for and helping countless animals throughout the years. She found her greatest joy in the outdoors and was most at home on the trail with her trusted mule and loyal dog always by her side. Whether riding through the woods or simply soaking in the stillness of nature, Connie embraced the peace and freedom that came with every ride.
She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Angie Barcus Golian, and a proud grandmother to Ally Rose Golian. She also leaves behind her son-in-law, Andrew Golian, and cherished the family they built together.
Connie is preceded in death by her husband, Gorden Melton; her parents, Walter and Viola (Hendrix) George; her brother, LeRoy George; and her beloved sister, Wilma (George) Patterson — lovingly known to Connie as simply “Sis.”
Later in life Connie retired and moved to Cape Fair, MO next to the Big Piney Forest where she loved the peace and beauty that surrounded her and enjoyed riding her mule through the Big Piney. She was a devoted Christian and was baptized in Flat Creek in The Big Piney. The last 5 years she resided in Sarcoxie, MO with her daughter.
Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Connie’s family takes comfort in knowing she is now rejoicing with all of her friends and family who have gone before her — and most importantly, riding Rascal and playing fetch with Skidboot and Zip.
A visitation will be held at **Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home** Lawrence, KS on **Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.**, followed by a graveside service at **Memorial Cemetery, Lawrence, Kansas**.
In honor of her love for the land and animals, the family encourages those who knew her to **take a ride** and remember her in the open skies and quiet trails she so dearly loved.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Area Agency On Aging 531 E 15th Joplin, MO 64804.
They say one never forgets their first love. Connie was mine, and I never forgot. Rest in peace, sweet lady.
Connie was a true Cowgirl. I have a lot of childhood memories sharing the trail with her. She always packed an extra sandwich for lunch for me, because I always went out riding with Dad ( Tex) and lunch wasn’t top priority back in those days. Although I never got to spend anytime with her later in life, I’ve always had the upmost respect for her. May she RIP and rejoice w/all that have gone before her and all that will be coming to join her in the future. Prayers for Angie and family in this difficult time.
Although our lives took many directions we managed to keep in touch and always enjoyed catching up. I am extremely proud to have had her for a lifelong friend. I will truly miss her.