Melanie Whalen

Melanie Joan Whalen

May 28, 1953 – June 13, 2025

Melanie Joan Whalen, 72, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family on June 13, 2025.

A lifelong animal lover, Melanie was the proud owner of The Clip Joint, her dog grooming business, which she founded in 1977. For nearly five decades, she cared for generations of pets and their people with dedication and compassion. Her deep connection to animals extended beyond her work—she was also an accomplished horse trainer and breeder of Appaloosa horses, a passion that brought her great joy and fulfillment throughout her life.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Christy and Scott Bornemann; Grandchildren Sarah Woods and Brock Woods, and Brock’s life partner, Lily Childs. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Barney and Cindy Kyte; her niece, Tisa Breeden, and husband Jeff; and her nephew, Justin Kyte, and wife Blakeley. Melanie shared a lifelong bond with her best friends, Laura Wolfe and Sarah Bird, whose presence enriched her life in countless ways.

Melanie will be remembered for her kind heart, her fun sense of humor, and her deep love for all creatures big and small. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the animals she cared for, and the memories held close by those who loved her.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Melanie’s life will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mott-McKamey Funeral Home, 1017 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend.