Harlingen- Kristine Louise Melton “Kippy,” 58, passed away suddenly on November 5, 2019, at her home. Kippy was born on November 8, 1961, to Steve Vano and Mary Ann Posz. She grew up in Harlingen, where she graduated from high school and was a “Cardette.”
After high school, Kippy moved to Edinburg to attend Pan American University. She met Michael Melton, who was working at the apartment complex where she was living. They were married in 1983 and spent the rest of their lives together. The couple owned and operated Oasasco Air Conditioning out of Donna for nearly twenty years. Kippy ran the office, and Michael worked in the field.
Ever the entrepreneur, Kippy opened Glazed Honey Ham store in McAllen, which she successfully managed for several years.
Kippy and Michael were ready for a change and decided to become truck drivers in 1999. They thoroughly enjoyed working together and driving across the country. They visited every state in the US and enjoyed every minute of it.
Kippy was an avid bike rider. She could be spotted most days riding around Harlingen and was a regular participant at the Jalapeno 100 bicycle ride. Kippy was full of energy and laughter, and her personality lit up the room. She was bubbly, friendly, caring, and a ball of fire.
Kippy is preceded in death by her parents, Steve Vano and Mary Ann Posz.
She is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Michael, sisters, Kathy Keys, Julie Sanders, and Karen Reynolds, brothers, Ron Vano and Steve Vano.