Obituary of Melitta House

Melitta House, a Seaside resident of 61 years and retired Retail Ops Manager of the Navy Exchange at NPS Monterey for 23 years, passed on August 3, 2023. Melitta was born in Augsburg, Germany where at 19 years old met and married Joseph McDonald, a Master Sgt. in the U.S. Army when he was transferred to her hometown after fighting in WWII. They lived in various parts of the world. While stationed in Japan, their only beloved child Kathleen came into their lives. Melitta was a devoted wife and mother who made a loving home wherever the assignments took them. Sadly, Kathleen preceded Melitta, passing in 2011. Joe preceded Melitta, passing in 1984. Kathleen had a loving husband, Chuck Black, son-in-law to Melitta, and 3 children. Melitta’s grandchildren: Ryan Artola (Aya), Yvette McFall (Gary), and Heather Black (Jeri). She is also survived by 2 great-grandchildren Kiara and Leo Artola.

Melitta was widowed for 5 years when she met and married Wilbur House, a retired WWII Veteran and Monterey Deputy Sheriff. Wil extended Melitta’s family adding 3 children: Don House (Paulette), Karen Shaheen, and Kathy Freed (deceased) and 5 grandchildren: Chris Strickland, Jourdan Hansen (Chris), Alisa Brown (Chris), Mila Shaheen and Hanna Shaheen. Wil preceded Melitta, passing in 2022. They shared many adventures while RVing across the country in their 32 years of marriage. Melitta also leaves behind nephews, nieces, and friends all over the U.S. and Germany.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Mission Mortuary of Monterey on August 22, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM followed by her inurnment at CA Central Coast Veterans Cemetery. The services will be led by Ray Bullick and Lindsay FitzGerald.