Melinda Kay Watson, 61, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on November 1, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 25, 1964, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Hugh and Jerry Surface.

A 1983 graduate of Lawrence Central High School, Melinda completed additional education at Honors Beauty College for Cosmetology, earning certificates in Aesthetics and Nail Tech. While she worked in Multi-Family Housing for over 20 years—managing historical properties in downtown Indianapolis, prominent communities on Indy’s Northside, and with the Noblesville Housing Authority—her true passion was in skin care and making people feel beautiful. Stepping out of her comfort zone, she served as a trainer for Pevonia Skin Care, traveling across the state of Indiana to train cosmetologists at day spas. A teacher at heart, Melinda, was never afraid to show someone how to take care of themselves.

Melinda married her high school sweetheart, Perry Watson, on December 1, 1990. She was a faithful wife, mother, daughter, and friend to many. She was also centered in Her Faith with Jesus Christ. Fiercely loyal and devoted, she was always ready to do anything for those she loved. While she had a shy side, she maintained many cherished friendships over the years. Her favorite past-time was being the best wife, mother, GiGi, and “momma” to her beloved puppy Rawlings, that she could be. Melinda always went above and beyond to make sure her family was taken care of. Whether taking care of a loved one, cooking meals, shuttling kids to and from activities, driving all day and night to watch her boys play baseball, or hosting a family event, she was always up for the challenge and enjoyed the time with her family. Melinda looked forward to vacations in Destin, FL and any other beautiful place with sun and a beach! Her family, especially her sons Tyler and Nolan were her whole life!

Melinda leaves behind her loving husband, Perry Watson; her children, Nolan Watson (Sierra) and Tyler Watson (Krista); her grandson, Brewer; her mother, Jerry Surface; her mother-in-law, Renate Wilks; her mother-in-law and dear friend, Martha Watson; her sister, Kim Stokes (Neil), her dear friends Tracy Underwood and Christina Jones, and her puppy Rawlings.

She was preceded in death by her father, Hugh Surface; father-in-law, Bill Watson; brother-in-law, Michael Fluharty; and grandparents, Lendell and Alice Surface, Loretta and Manford Crouch, and Harold Switzer.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at East 91st St. Christian Church (6049 East 91st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250), with a funeral service immediately following at 1:00 PM. Burial will take place at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Please enter E91st Street Church using the front entrance that faces 91st street and is called the Counseling Center and The Hall.

In Lieu of flowers Memorial contributions in her name may be made to a St. Judes Children’s Hospital, a Children's Hospital of your choice, or a charity of your choice.