Melissa Cooley

Melissa Cooley (nee Nash), age 51 of Hillsboro, Missouri, passed away suddenly on November 14, 2025, in Festus, Missouri. She was born on January 28, 1974, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was the daughter of Patricia Ann Nash and the late Robert Wayne Nash. Melissa and her husband, John, were married on November 08, 2013, in Festus, MO. Melissa had a big heart and loved big. She was very faithful. She loved everyone and wanted all to know Jesus Christ. Her love started with her Saviour and trickled down to her husband and children. Also, to her church family, where she gained many sisters, which she appreciated so much because she was an only child. She was a hugger, and when she hugged you, you knew how meaningful and loving it was. She always had a kind and timely word for those who were struggling and in need of comfort through a whisper in the ear or a card in the mail, or a small gift. She was always available to give advice and counsel or to just listen and pray. In fact, Melissa was always asking if they had prayed or if they wanted to pray. She knew the power of prayer, even for what seemed to be the littlest of things. The children were everything to Melissa. Starting at home, she would always make the children’s birthdays special. She would cook their favorite meal (and sometimes extend it to their favorite meal week). She would make their favorite birthday cake. She always tried to make it a very special occasion for them. She wanted to be a part of training up the next generation of Christians who truly loved the Lord. She was a homeschool administrator. She was a Sunday school teacher for middle-aged children. Melissa helped with the teen night activities as well as the children's activities and outings. All for the purpose of teaching about Jesus, and wanted all to be unified in Christ. Melissa loved bible camp down in Arkansas. She looked forward to it every year, just as if she were one of the campers. She loved all the little children of the world and the ones that she could affect; she gave everything to do it. A perfect home for Melissa was a home that had an open door where the children could run in and out all day long, and she could entertain them with Otter Pops and watermelon. She always liked singing, particularly with the children, but wasn't afraid to go solo when the time called for it. She had a beautiful voice, and don't give her a chance to hold a baby, she would drop everything to do it. They were so precious to her. There were many times she could be seen teaching the children at the school and holding a sleeping baby in her arms at the same time. All with a big, pretty smile that went ear to ear. Melissa had a servant's heart. She was ready whenever needed to help. Whether it was sewing a stuffed animal's ear back on, for the second time. Or being available for the cleaning and cooking for Bethel Church's annual homecoming, there was nothing that she would not do to help when needed. She loved the homeless around Festus and beyond. She would prepare gift packs for them and knew quite a few of them by name. She always prayed for them. Their stories touched her, and she always wanted them to get what was needed to get back on their feet again. Melissa was a fearless warrior. She fought for those she loved and always backed up her friends and family in need. She would never compromise what she knew to be right according to the word of God. She hated lies and manipulation and fought fervently in prayer and fasting against those enemies. All the while praising the Lord through every battle. Melissa was a great cook and taught her children how to do it as well. She loved gardening and found that the weeding part was very therapeutic. She was a very good artist. She loved painting and always tried to follow in her father's footsteps in doing it the right way. Melissa loved looking and seeking out God's creation. Whether gazing at the stars and seeking the Northern lights. Or trying to pet the bee that just landed on her sweater, she was in awe of God's creation and truly loved it. The most important thing to Melissa in this world was the word of God. Getting the message of Jesus Christ out to the world, in particular to the children. She was faithful in her race to the end. Melissa has finished her race and is now with Jesus in Glory. She is going to be missed so much by all her family and friends. Survived by… Husband John Cooley Children: Katelyn Muenck and her husband Griffin Dennis, John Robert (JR) Cooley, Callie Coolie, and Hope Cooley Mother: Patricia Nash Aunts and Uncles: Mary Alice Kruth, Joanne Paravati and husband Joseph, Elaine Lesniak and husband Paul, Henry J. Rudzki Jr., Christine Nash, and Dwayne J. Nash. She is also survived by great aunts, many cousins, and many dear friends. Preceded in death by… Father- Robert W. Nash Grandparents- Henry and Angeline Rudzki, Stella Gelet

Melissa Cooley

July 28, 1947 - November 14, 2025