Celebrate Melisa Holmes' Life and Legacy

* * * Please scroll down to see the updates and information on Melisa's service that will be held Saturday, January 25 at 11am.

The YouTube link is below in the updates. * * *

Life is a journey of joy, trials, and love, and the journey of Melisa Holmes has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has a passion for life and refused not to live it. Even though her battle with cancer has challenged the last decade, she refused to allow being a cancer patient be the main thing that marked her legacy. Instead, she wore the banner of being a devoted wife of 30 years to her college sweetheart, Blake, a loving mother of six (three boys and three girls), the oldest of eight siblings, and the kind of friend who makes friends feel like family. Melisa unabashedly showed her love by being the loudest voice in the cheering section, the most persistent about ensuring get-togethers happen, and the most creative in making big and small moments memorable.

As Blake calls her, Melisa is a “wild cat,” always up for an adventure and with a big brewing plan. She enjoyed everything from camping in a baseball cap and flannel shirt (don’t forget an air mattress) and cross-country skiing to hitting a rock concert in leather pants and high heels or hiking up a mountain encouraging her “six little ducklings” along the way – but nothing beats putting her toes in the sand on a sunny beach for Melisa. Even when money was tight, as it often can be when raising six children, Melisa implemented her creative juices to find ways to ensure her family could experience all that life had to offer. This included opening a hermit crab pop-up pet shop and picking up freelance writing jobs to take her family to Disneyland or send her kids to summer camp. It is her trademark move to change her return flight at the last minute or convince Blake to drive an extra hour (or five) to find a way to squeeze a little more family time into a trip.

Today, as her family faces an unimaginable chapter, we ask for your support in honoring her life and legacy.

Ten years ago, Melisa was diagnosed with colon cancer. She conquered that only to discover soon that she had breast cancer. Once again, she and her family took the steps to get through that difficult time. Two years ago, colon cancer returned with a vengeance. Melisa fought hard, with Blake by her side literally every step of the way, but this time, the cancer was a beast. Her oncologist commented that he has never had another patient who refrained from calling mercy as Melisa did. They tried every treatment offered in the United States – when one failed, Melisa asked what was next before taking any time to recover from the previous treatment’s battle wounds. She was fighting for more time with the people she loves.

Her fight is now drawing to an end. Just after Christmas, Melisa transitioned to hospice care. Surrounded by her loving family, she continues to teach the values of love, faith, and resilience – there is peace in their home as they care for their wife and mother with the most tender love. Blake has taken a leave from work to be by her side, ensuring she receives the care and comfort she deserves.

As the Holmes family prepares for this difficult goodbye, they face significant financial challenges. To alleviate this burden, we have created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of Melisa’s funeral arrangements. The funds will also assist in bringing their two sons, currently serving church missions abroad, home to say their final goodbyes and attend their mother’s funeral. She is so proud of her missionaries and loved them and God enough to encourage them to go, even after her stage four colon cancer diagnosis.

This family has given much love and kindness to those around them, and now, they need our help. By contributing, you can help honor Melisa's remarkable life and support her family during this time of profound loss. Any amount, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference.

Melisa's legacy is one of love, strength, and resilience. She has taught us all to cherish every moment, embrace life’s adventures, and hold our loved ones close. As we come together to support her family, we honor the incredible woman she is and ensure that her memory will live on in the hearts of those she has touched.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and love during this difficult time. Together, we can help this family navigate the road ahead and celebrate the beautiful life of Melisa Holmes.

How You Can Help Donate:

Please visit the GoFundMe page to make a contribution. https://gofund.me/6f3a8df2

Donate directly by Venmo to: @melisaholmes (last 4 digits: 3382)

Share: Spread the word by sharing the GoFundMe link with your friends, family, and social networks.

Pray and Support: Your prayers, kind words, and messages of support mean the world to the family.