Melissa Jane Rummell, born Jane Ellen Hays, but known as Liss or Liza, died peacefully in her sleep June 16, 2017, in Port Townsend, Washington. Liza, an only child, grew up in Winchester, Kentucky. On September 12, 1935, she came into this world curious, energetic and inquisitive, and these are the qualities that brought her success in a career as a psych therapist and shaped her as a world traveler, a lover of life, a voracious reader, and a compassionate friend.
Liza’s love of New Mexico, where she lived and thrived in Santa Fe for over 30 years, is evident in many ways here in Port Townsend. Liza freely displayed her love of vibrant Southwest colors and shared with many her knowledge of rich and varied cultures, exotic cuisine and international communities. What Liza loved most was shared stories, great adventures and world travel with her many friends.
Liza is preceded in death by her mother, Jane (Faerie) Jenkinson and her father William Oscar Hays. Liza is survived by former husband, Ron Rummell, and a legacy of many friends worldwide who loved her as well as by her precious rescue pup, Bearly There.
A celebration of Liza’s life will be held in her gracious home on Sunday, July 9th from noon to 5:00pm. Any who wish to pay their final respects to Liza are welcome. Please call 360-379-2432 and leave a message with your name and phone number if you need further details i.e. address etc.
No flowers, please. Liza loved books, opera, paintings, sculpture, innovative art, pottery, jewelry and classical music. She also was a passionate social activist and staunch Democrat and would want those wishing to honor her to make a donation in her name to one of Port Townsend’s politically active Democratic organizations or one of the many arts organizations that support, produce, display or encourage artistic expression.
