MELODY FERN GOWER, born February 8, 1961 in Hagerstown, Maryland, passed away to be with her savior on September 12, 2009 after a sudden and brief illness. The beloved and special daughter of Kathleen and Fred Horst, and the late Harry William Gower. Melody was a special child of God born with Down Syndrome. She would maintain the innocence and love of a child throughout her lifetime. She was a member of Salem Reformed Church and a past member of Paramount Church where during her youth she was a founding member of the "God's Angels Sunday School Class" for children with special needs. Melody attended North Street School and was one of the first students at the Kemp Horn Vocational School in Smithsburg, Maryland, and the Washington County Job Development Center, the first schools for handicapped students in the county. Melody competed in the Special Olympics, earning ribbons in three sports. Melody never met a person that she did not like and always greeted you with a hug and a smile. She was especially close to her Grandmother, Charlotte McKinnon, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her mother and father, Kathleen and Fred Horst of Maugansville, Maryland; her God parents, Robert and Jessie Spangler of Waynesboro, PA; her sister, Kelly Murray and husband Fran and family of Hagerstown; brother, William Charles Gower of Hagerstown; sister, Kelli Mooers and husband Steve and family of Clear Spring, MD; brother, Scott Horst and wife Cora and family of Gaithersburg, MD; several nieces and nephews that were very special in her heart. We are all far better off having known and loved her. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday at Salem Reformed Church, Salem Church Road, Hagerstown with Rev. Steve Wagoner officiating. Burial will be at Salem Reformed Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, 6:00-8:00 pm at the church and also one half hour prior to the service at the church. The family requests the ommission of flowers with memorial donations made to Salem Reformed Church Youth Group. Arrangements by Minnich Funeral Home, 415 E. Wilson Blvd.