Melanie "Gale" Bright, 68, Paoli, passed away at her home on Dec. 24, 2023, after a short battle with cancer.

She was born Aug. 5, 1955, in Jasper, Ind., to Dewey & Mary Wininger Lewis. Her father was in the military, and she grew up living in many towns and states, as well as a Germany and Ethiopia.

Gale graduated from Pike High School in Indianapolis in 1973. She spent her adult life living and working in the Salem and Paoli areas. She was retired, but last worked in housekeeping at Paoli Health & Living.

Gale is survived by: daughters Tracy (Zed) Elbarbary of Henryville, Tammy Gehl of Charlestown & Tanya Pace of Paoli; son Matthew Moore of Paoli; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was looking forward to the births of two additional great-grandchildren.

Additionally, she leaves behind three sisters: Dewetta "Sissy" Kenney (Mitch Mathena) of Paoli, Dena (C.B) Deaton of French Lick and Rhonda (David) Bullington of Okeechobee, Fla.

Gale was proceeded in death by both her parents, her stepmother Joyce Lewis and brother Gary Dean Lewis.

Cremation was chosen, with Dillman-Scott Funeral Home handling arrangements. A graveside service will be held at a later date.