Melody Ann Keller Hill Le'Tang

Melody was born at St. Mary’s Hospital, Kansas City, MO, and was the “last of the quartet,” daughter of George Kennedy Keller, and (Bertha) Marie Taylor. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Denise Marie Hill, as well as her parents. She was married on October 31, 1994, in Johnson County, Kansas, to Davidson P. Le’Tang. Survivors also include a son, Prentis John Hill, Orange, California, and daughter, Misha Ann Hill, Columbia, MO, one sister, April Keller Burger, Jefferson City, MO, brothers George (Edie) Keller, Paola, KS, David (Lynn) Keller, Keller, TX, and Greg (Cindy) Keller, Kansas City, Kansas, her loving cat, Fluffy, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She had special relationships with Torrin, Bianca, Derrick, and also Christia, Chanel and Tali. Melody also leaves behind many loving friends.

After graduating from Shawnee Mission North High School, Shawnee Mission, Kansas, in 1976, Melody attended Kansas State University.

Melody worked for 10 years in Kansas City at Sealright, early in her adult life, and was also secretary of their Union. She pursued her passion of baking, at Mrs. Fields, and expanded her knowledge of cookware at the Rolling Pin. She later became the “lunch lady” at Gorrie Elementary School, Tampa, Florida, a job she dearly loved, where her niece and nephew attended school. While at Gorrie, Melody received an award for excellence in her job. Melody later spent time in Bonita Springs, Florida, caring for her mother, who had cancer. She then returned to Missouri. Melody is donating her hair to an organization who makes wigs for children with cancer.

Melody had a heart of gold. It was easy to be in her company. She wanted everyone to be included, be happy and enjoy life. She was the life of the party, a social butterfly, easily made friends, and welcomed others into her home and heart, especially the smallest. She adored being surrounded by children and loved giving them prizes at parties. She had a tender spot for animals and had many special pets in her life.

She often expressed her love of life through baking, and cooking with others. She was known to host Christmas cookie decorating with family, made special dishes for every event and had a knack for knowing what your favorite treat was, from “Mel’s Bakery,” and have it on hand. Her natural creativity went beyond, to painting, making Christmas bows, writing or giving a kind word, decorating with little hearts and especially a quick wit which often brought laughter. For Melody, your happiness was her happiness. She made sure to show it through small acts of kindness, the life flourishes that are sweet and like a baked cookie, made with love.

A Celebration of Life will be 10am, Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Floral Hills Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, MO 65202.