Melissa Jean Medearis Ford, 34, lifelong resident of Des Moines, died of cancer at home on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, with her family by her side. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 16 at Iles Grandview Park Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, January 17 at the funeral home followed by cremation.

Melissa was born February 21, 1980 in Des Moines to Thomas Medearis and Debra (Knowles) Medearis Baker. She was a 1998 graduate of East High School and currently employed by John Deere Manufacturing. Melissa enjoyed gun target shooting and camping at the family cabin near Muscatine. She was a Party Lite candle representative and collected baskets, horror movies and tattoos.

Melissa will be remembered as a witty, strong person. She was devoted to her family and her memory will be cherished by her husband, Kyle Ford; daughter, Kloei Lovan; mother, Debra (Jim) Baker; father, Thomas (Rhonda) Medearis; siblings, Erica Medearis (Chad Ford), Abby (Rama) Chennamsetty, Dustin Medearis and Baden Medearis; grandmothers, Phyllis Knowles and Opal Esther Medearis; as well as other extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Gilbert Knowles and Lyle Medearis; and sister, Jessica Medearis.

Memorial contributions in Melissa’s memory may be directed to the family for the Kloei Lovan education fund.

ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES GRANDVIEW PARK CHAPEL.