MELINDA SMITH TONETTI

Melinda Smith Tonetti, affectionately known as “Mamie” to her beloved grandchildren, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born on September 23, 1938, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Royce and Mollie Leonard Smith. Melinda grew up alongside her sister, Jan Smith Drake, and her brother, Royce “Butch” Smith Jr.

She attended Arlington Heights High School, graduating in 1956 before continuing her education at the University of Oklahoma. During her sophomore year, she successfully persuaded her father to allow her to transfer to TCU in Fort Worth so she could be closer to her soon-to-be husband, Robert, who was attending the University of Texas.

On August 23, 1958, Melinda married the love of her life, Robert Hyde Tonetti. Together, they shared 64 years of unwavering love and devotion, building a marriage that became an inspiration to everyone who knew them. Their relationship reflected steadfast commitment, enduring friendship, and a deep love for one another. Their children witnessed a remarkable example of joyful, lasting love that became a guiding influence in their own lives.

Together, Melinda and Robert raised three children—Robert Tonetti Jr., David Tonetti, and Anne Tonetti DuBose—on Westchester Avenue in West University Place in Houston, Texas, a place they called home for more than 50 years. One of Melinda’s greatest joys was being “Mamie” to her grandchildren, Max Tonetti DuBose and Lauren Tonetti DuBose. They brought immeasurable happiness to her life, and she was deeply devoted to them.

A devoted wife, loving mother, treasured grandmother, loyal friend, daughter, and sister, Melinda embraced every role in her life with love, grace, and enthusiasm. She was known for her generous heart, quick wit, beautiful smile, and the genuine warmth she extended to everyone she encountered. Whether meeting someone for the first time or spending time with lifelong friends, she had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

Melinda found joy wherever and whenever it could be found—whether spending time with cherished family and friends in casual gatherings or traveling the world. But few things brought her greater happiness than hosting those she loved at the family’s beloved homes away from home: Valley View Ranch in Gatesville, Texas, and the dream home she and Robert built together in South Fork, Colorado. These special places were the setting for countless cherished memories.

She was an avid bridge player, antique hunter, accomplished needlepoint artist, Words with Friends enthusiast, devoted Jeopardy! viewer, and, more recently, an enthusiastic bingo player—a title that surprised no one more than Melinda herself! This joyful new pastime developed during the final two years of her life while living at Villages of Windcrest in Fredericksburg, Texas. There, she formed many meaningful friendships and connections with people who became truly special to her. Melinda approached life with curiosity, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the moments and people who brought her happiness.

Those who knew Melinda will remember her unbreakable spirit. She faced numerous health challenges later in life with extraordinary courage and perseverance, always demonstrating remarkable resilience. She loved fiercely and passionately and could be delightfully stubborn when she believed in something, while at the same time possessing an extraordinary capacity for compassion. Her sharp sense of humor and quick wit brought laughter to those around her, even during difficult moments. She had a unique ability to find joy and humor where others might not, and her smile could brighten any room.

One of the greatest gifts Melinda gave her family was the example of a faithful and loving marriage. Melinda’s daughter, Anne, said, “Watching my parents love one another so completely became the roadmap for my own marriage. It was a lesson taught not through words alone, but through decades of unwavering devotion, grace, forgiveness, and steadfast commitment.”

During her final days, Melinda shared a conversation that brought tremendous peace and comfort to those who loved her. While in the intensive care unit, during what would become one of her last clear and vibrant conversations, she said that Robert had called to her from Heaven. With unmistakable joy radiating across her face, she described seeing him, how wonderful he looked, and how he told her how beautiful Heaven was. She spoke of the many loved ones he told her were already there and said that Robert assured her she would love it there. That joyful conversation became a treasured final memory and continues to bring comfort to all who loved her.

After courageously enduring two difficult weeks in intensive care, Melinda peacefully entered her eternal home, free from pain and reunited with the love of her life. Though her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in knowing that she is no longer in pain, is embraced by the Lord, and is reunited with her loving husband, Robert.

Melinda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Hyde Tonetti; her parents, Royce and Mollie Smith; and her brother, Royce “Butch” Smith Jr. She is lovingly survived by her children, Robert Tonetti Jr., David Tonetti, and Anne DuBose; her son-in-law, Clint DuBose; her cherished grandchildren, Max Tonetti DuBose and Lauren Tonetti DuBose; her sister, Jan Drake; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love and friendship.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23

A celebration of Melinda’s life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in the Greenwood Live Oak Chapel at Greenwood Memorial Park in Fort Worth, Texas. A graveside service and burial at Greenwood Memorial Park will immediately follow, with a reception afterward in the Greenwood Live Oak Reception Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a cause that was meaningful to Melinda.