Melva Carol Gottschalk

Melva Carol Gottschalk, born Melva Carol Bratcher, on January 7, 1938, in Weatherford, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family and worshiping God, on March 22, 2024, at the age of 86, in Bellingham, Washington. She was not afraid of death as it would bring her into God’s holy presence.

 Melva was a devoted first-grade teacher for 30 years in the Ferndale School District, where she lovingly referred to her students as her "little angels." Her passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom as she also homeschooled her grandsons, Joshua and Jacob. Her love of learning showed in the continued schooling she did, even earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and Theology from Berean University. Melva's energy and loyal dedication were evident in her various roles as wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, teacher, church nursery volunteer and studying the Bible.

Melva's first love was the Lord, Jesus Christ, and she lived out her faith at the Good Shepherd Bible Church and Calvary Temple in Bellingham, Washington. In her free time, she enjoyed knitting, scrapbooking, and spending quality time with her family, whom she fiercely loved and cherished.

Melva will be deeply missed by her surviving family members: her daughter and son-in-law, Mel-Beth and Ken Haug; sons Paul, Tim, David, and Dan Gottschalk; grandchildren Joshua, Jacob, Krista, Kelli, Dean, April, Raina, Jordan, Jared, Amy, and Elizabeth; brother Marvin Bratcher; sister Betty Lou Rogers; niece Drusilla Rogers; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, John Gottschalk, her parents Carrie and Melvin Bratcher, and her nephew Douglas Rogers.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on April 8, 2024, at 2 pm at the Good Shepherd Bible Church, 1254 West Smith Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226, with a reception to follow. The funeral arrangements are entrusted to Sig's Funeral Services in Bellingham, WA, as we honor and remember the life of Melva Carol Gottschalk, a woman of faith, love, and dedication to Jesus Christ, her family and community.