Roxallanne Medley: 1945 – 2026

Roxallanne Kelly Medley, formerly of Coupeville, passed peacefully with her family by her side on July 17, 2026.

Born December 8, 1945, Roxallanne began playing her beloved violin at age 5. She was concertmaster of the Portland Junior Symphony before her marriage to David in 1964. She had a long career as a violinist with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. Later, she served as concertmaster for Whidbey’s Saratoga Orchestra. In 1981, she embarked on a second career teaching at Coupeville Elementary. After retiring from teaching, she brought the gift of music to scores of violinists from her home studio.

Roxallanne adored walking the beaches with her Golden Retrievers, crabbing in Penn Cove, clam digging with her dad, and sharing her island home with her two grandchildren as well as family and visitors. She was a creative spirit and her paintings, ceramics, writing, gardens and other artistic pursuits reflected her whimsical nature.

She left her island home four years ago to be closer to family as her health began to wane, but her heart never left the rocky beaches and windswept prairies of Whidbey. She missed them every day.

The world has lost a sweet light, and yet it reflects in those left behind: her husband of 62 years, David Medley; daughter Melissa Medley Rodewald and son-in-law Doug; grandchildren Katie Rodewald Root and Andrew (great grandchildren Josephine, Teddy, and Elizabeth), and Jonah Rodewald and fiancee Amanda. She was a loving sister to Bridget Kelly. She was preceded in death by her mom, LaVerne Ione Norton Kelly, and her dad, Frank Edward Kelly.

A celebration of her life will be held next spring in Coupeville. Her family asks that you remember Roxallanne with hearts full of gratitude for her life so beautifully lived. Honor her by listening to gorgeous music and early morning bird songs, walking with your happy dogs, digging in the dirt in the afternoon sun, and feeling the wind and salt on your face. Her legacy remains with us.