December 21, 2011 marked the peaceful passing of Melanie Beard Kau after an eighteen month battle with cancer. Despite the challenges associated with her illness, she remained loving, patient, and filled with gratitude. She fulfilled her earthly mission surrounded by family, having touched many by her strong faith and courageous example.
Melanie was born on February 24, 1965 in Murray, Utah to Melvin and Margaret Beard. She was raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated from Upper Dublin High School in 1983. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Fashion Merchandising in 1987.
On September 5, 1987 she married her childhood sweetheart Jonathan Kau in the Salt Lake Temple. Her legacy includes four exceptional children and 24 memorable years as a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. She encouraged her family’s involvement in art, sports, music, and church and could be relied upon for her laughter and enthusiasm. She was an avid runner and derived great pleasure from the rigors of a race or freedom of an open trail. She was beautiful, outgoing, energetic, unpretentious, and developed her own classy sense of style. She will continue as a role model of modesty and virtue to her daughters and the young women she loved to serve.
She is survived by her husband Jonathan and four children, Keala, Kalani, Kai, and Kawena; sisters Chalice (Jim) Carpenter, Phoenix, AZ; Kim (Tim) Pannell, Provo, UT; DeLite (Carl) Clegg, Netcong, NJ; Collette (Carter) Tobin , Williston, ND; Michelle (Richard) Maxwell, Phoenix, AZ; Heidi (Adam) Barrett, Litchfield Park, AZ; and brothers Joseph Beard (Melissa), Phoenix, AZ; Todd Beard (Vicki), Tropic, UT; and Aaron Beard, Cedar City, UT. She is preceded in death by her parents Melvin and Margaret who were sure to welcome her in a heavenly reunion.
The family wishes to thank the many neighbors and friends who were so attentive to Melanie’s care and comfort, as well as the professionals at Integrative Medical Associates, Intermountain Healthcare, Utah Valley Cancer Center, and Alpine Home Care & Hospice.
There will be a viewing from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28 at the Berg Mortuary, 185 East Center Street, Provo, and again from 9:30-10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 29, 2011 at the Edgemont Stake Center, 303 West 3700 North, Provo. Funeral Services will start at 11:00am. Interment: East Lawn Cemetery.
Positive Outlier 
Prayers and love are with your family today, tomorrow, and this whole week. Melanie IS a strong woman, wife, friend and especially mother, she is with other Angels.
Thinking of you and your family! May God bless you with peace and comfort. What an inspiration she has been to us all. Prayers coming your way. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us. John, Edie & Morgan Payne
What a wonderful blessing Melanie was in our lives. Thank you, Jon, Keala, Kalani, Kai and Kawena for sharing with us on this journey. I love you! DeLite
Dear Kau Family,
Bill and I heard about Melanie’s passing today and I wanted to let you know our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. May you feel the loving peace of our Heavenly Father in the days and years ahead.
Love,
Bill and Heidi Brady
I just wanted to let you guys know what Melanie meant to me. She was so kind to me when we moved into your ward, she was among the first to get to know me and she made me feel welcomed and important. I will never forget that, it meant the world to me to have a friendly face and see her beautiful smile at church and other activities. It extended to your entire family too, Jon and I were so impressed by your kindness and happy spirit. Thank you for that 🙂 even though we were a part of that ward for only a short time, Melanie and the rest of your family made an impression that will not be forgotten.
Love to you all, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
–Ali and Jon Hallstrom (formerly of the Meadow Wood ward 😉 )