Obituary of Melissa Thatcher

Melissa Sue Thatcher, age 41, passed away Friday, December 15, 2023. She was a loving mother, sister, daughter, and friend. No services are planned at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  

Melissa was born July 22, 1982, in Lancaster, California, to parents Edward Marvel and Vicki Lynn (Neal) Harvey. She lived in Ridgecrest, California for most of her life before moving to Iowa and living there for the last couple years.

Melissa is the strongest, most caring, non-judgmental, and selfless person. She always sees the best in people, even at their worst. She has a heart of gold and wants everyone to be happy.

Her family will not fill their hearts with pain and sorrow, but instead will remember her in every tomorrow. Every orange sunset will remind them of the simple things that made Melissa smile. Every pumpkin will remind them of the happiest memories they got to share together. Each moth (not butterfly because that ain't Melissa's style!) will remind them that she is still here with them. This world will never be the same without her, but they are so thankful that they shared it with you as long as they were able.

Melissa is survived by her two sons, Jayden Williams and Joseph Thatcher; father, Edward Marvel; sisters, Brandie Marvel, Kristie (Tyson) Miller, Mellanie Marvel, Cindy Didato, and Karen Johnson; brother, Robert Marvel; auntie, Carol Stockin; nephews, Jonathan Frisbie, Timothy Frisbie, and Landon Marvel; nieces, Taylor Renken and Cali Miller, and many more nieces and nephews!

She was preceded in death by her mother, Vicki Lynn Harvey; sister, Debra Patrick; and nephew, Thomas Patrick.