She was born October 9, 1947 in Canton, a daughter of the late Galen and Irene (Walker) Miller. She was a Green High and Kent State University graduate. Melissa taught 37 years in the Primary Schools of the Southeast Local School District, and was recognized by “Who’s Who Among American Teachers.”
Upon retirement, she became a faithful servant of the Lord alongside her husband, Pastor Everett Stoddard, serving in Living Hope United Methodist Church, Norton; Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church, Coshocton; Collins and West Hartland (Norwalk) United Methodist Churches, and Cambridge Faith United Methodist Church. Wherever they served she was noted for her beautiful bulletin boards and involvement in groups like Relay For Life. A kind, creative and generous loving wife, mother and grandmother, she was a woman who truly lived the Christian life. She loved fellowship, crafting, reading and especially teaching children to read.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Maynard Miller.
In addition to her husband of 36 years, survivors include her brother, Max (Sarah) Miller of Uniontown and sister, Margie (Jim) Popio of Tallmadge; daughters, Kara (Brian) Wilson of Kingsport, TN, and Lisa (Will) Kinsey of Belmont, NC, and the treasures of her life, grandchildren Melissa (Missy) Wilson and William Cato, Camille (Millie), and Osborne (Ozzie) Kinsey, along with Chase Wilson and Brittany (Blaine) Adkins.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, December 14, 2018 at the family’s home church, Ravenna First United Methodist Church, 262 S. Prospect St., Ravenna, with the Revs. Tom Poremba and Brian Oglesbee officiating, assisted by dear friends Bill Lentz and Cathy Poremba. Friends will be received from 1:00pm until the Memorial Service.
Serving the family is the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna. Inurnment will take place later in Columbiana County Memorial Park, East Liverpool, Ohio.
Memorials may be made in her name to your home church, or the American Cancer Society.
Condolences and memories may be shared at wood-kortright-borkoski.com.
