I loved see Melanie bright and shine face everyday I saw here at Hyvee. She was favor Starbucks manager and person to get my drinks from. I also got to know her two kids that work at Starbucks too. I am so sorry for this family

Nira, Bob, Laura, Emily, Caroline, and All of Melanie’s Family ~ my daughter, Elizabeth, just sent me the link about Melanie, remembering that you folks were a “very nice family”. My heart is sad for your loss of Melanie, such a good, kind, creative spirit. I am so glad to know that Melanie lived a life-long exploration and enjoyment of her passions ~ enhancing the beauty and goodness of this world for those she loved as well as for the many fellow-travelers who crossed her Life Path. Blessings for Peace and Comfort at this Difficult Time and Going Forward ~

I’m so gutted by this news. Mel was such an insanely witty character, and I loved seeing her smile every morning as she poured my morning coffee. I will never forget anticipating what sort of random trivia question or topic she could bring up within our brief morning exchanges. Sending comfort to her family and friends.

Bob, Nira, and families, my words are not sufficient to express the sorrow I feel for you losing Melanie, my kids are your kid's age, and I cannot imagine please know that our thoughts are with you Please accept our condolences .

Eternal rest grant unto her O lord and may the perpetual light shine upon her, may she rest in Peace

John and Debby Jones

Nira and Bob, and the whole family,

We were so very saddened to hear of your precious Melanie’s passing. We know how special she was to Jo also.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Janet and Jim Keck

I'm so sorry to hear about Melanie's passing. I'm praying for, Rusk Family, as you grieve during this time.

Donna (Salton) Musel

So sorry for your loss. Hugs to you all as you gather to remember and celebrate Melanie’s too short life. Sincerely, Chris and Marcia Langner

Rusk Family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of Melanie. So many fun times were spent playing on your farm. I was saddened to hear of her passing. She was certainly taken too soon. My heart goes out to all who loved her!

While my time with Mel was brief, she was a big part of one of my most memorable experiences, generously sharing her loves with this city girl.

I will always remember her standing amongst her awe-inspiring vegetable garden with sheer joy, sharing hints of the many difficult steps required to reach that glorious bounty. And the glee I shared with her exploring and plucking (directly into my mouth sometimes) the delish fruits of her labor and passion. (Until she casually mentioned the giant spiders that “might” lurk amongst them!)

I remember her also graciously sharing her other passions of family, cooking and laughter, with me as she whipped our gathered treats into veggie chili, showed off her magic root cellar, and guided us as we husked corn in the back of a pickup and prepped it for later cold winter nights (And covered her kitchen in corn in the process).

Mel made me feel like family (in true Rusk fashion) and so easily shared her passions for which I am forever grateful, and heart-broken she was taken so early from her family and friends. Sending my love to you all.

My thoughts and prayers Nira and Bob, her sisters, and to all of Melanie's family and friends. Tracy Hoben

Bob, Nira and family,

We are hurting for you. Uplifting you all in prayer!

I knew Melanie while I was attending Iowa State University in the late 1990’s. She was always warm, radiant and outgoing. She loved plants and she loved hanging out with friends. Melanie’s passing is very painful and I am sad to know she is no longer with us. But she made a huge, positive impact while she was here with us. I will miss her. I extend my sincerest condolences to her family.

to Melanie’s family and friends. You have my condolences as you mourn her death, celebrate her life and honor her legacy. May God comfort you with happy memories and the peace that passes all understanding. Melanie is safe and free of all pain, wrapped in the arms of Jesus. She is happily reunited with loved ones in heaven and she will be patiently waiting to welcome eveyone when the time is right. You loved her well and you will forever hold her in your hearts. Lavonne (Salton) Anderson

Rusk family, I am so sorry to hear of Melanie’s passing. I hope the memories you have of her will help to ease the pain of her absence. I’m sending lots of love to you from Georgia.

Jennifer Galm

My deepest condolences to her family and friends. I knew her slightly. I was impressed by her luminosity and courage during her illness.