Melanie Kay Tappan left to fly with the angels on Feb 8th, 2023. She passed peacefully at the Solace House hospice in Joplin, MO due to a sudden illness. Melanie was the fifth of six children to be born to Sheldon and Connie (Hastings) Tappan on Oct 31, 1964. She grew up on the Century family farm west of Iowa City as the 5th generation to be raised there. She attended West High in Iowa City. Mel was a free spirit, caring, loved anything from the ‘70’s (especially music), lived life on her own terms and had a kind loving heart. Her family, friends and all animals big and small were very important and dear to her heart. Everyone she met was considered a friend and she would do anything for anyone. Melanie loved to travel and one of her favorite places was Estes Park, Co where she lived for many years. Melanie married Kenny Westcott and they later divorced. Melanie is survived by her siblings: Bonnie Weldon of Iowa City, Becky (Craig) Tubandt of CA, Kevin (Carolyn) Tappan of Riverside and Wendy (Tom) Strabala of Ainsworth. Nephews and niece: Eric Weldon, Matt Weldon, Andy Tappan, James Tappan, Mike Tappan, Travis Tubandt, Tyler Tubandt, Trent Tappan and Carly Tappan and great nephews and nieces. She is also survived by many cousins, friends and her very special friend, Steve Porter of Joplin, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Mark, brother-in-law Larry Weldon, Grandparents, Carl and Rose (Bayer) Hastings and Oscar and Bessie (Westfall) Tappan, special aunt Karleen (Bob) Ferguson, many aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. We know she was happy to be reunited with her dogs, Sniffles and Tessie, whom she dearly loved. There was a wonderful reunion on the other side when Melanie arrived. We love and will miss you, Mel. We are thankful you are now at peace and out of pain. Our family would like to especially thank Dr. Memon and the ICU staff at Mercy hospital and the Solace House hospice, in Joplin, MO for their wonderful loving care. There are no services planned at this time. Private family services will be held in the summer.