Melissa Kay Iger

Beloved sister Melissa Kay Iger passed away on March 14, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Bakersfield, California, after a courageous battle with multiple illnesses. Melissa was born on February 21, 1955 and had just celebrated her 71st birthday with family and friends. Our baby sister is the youngest child and daughter of Kay and Mort Iger, and was their only child born in Bakersfield.

Melissa attended Franklin Elementary, Emerson Junior High, Bakersfield High School Class of 1973, Bakersfield College and Santa Barbara City College studying Hotel and Restaurant Management and earning her AA Degree in Horticulture and Agricultural Science.

While studying in Santa Barbara, Melissa worked for a local coffee store called Vices and Spices where she gained experience in running a store and finding suppliers for the perfect coffees, teas, spices and candies. This experience led her to open her own store, The Coffee Tree, in Bakersfield, which she ran from 1980 to 1986. Melissa then took a break from running her business to raise her two sons, Evan and Stephen, and to help care for aging parents. She went back to school in 2008 and became a Certified Arborist while working for the Tree Foundation of Kern County as the Executive Director through her passing.

Melissa was preceded in death by mom and dad. She is survived by her sons Evan and Stephen Wright, sister Julie Ann Roseman, and brothers Jon Iger with wife Linda, Greg Iger with wife Deb, Rick Iger with wife Cindy, and many nieces and nephews.

You always knew when Melissa entered the room casting her infectious smile and cheerful demeanor out to all. She loved to tell stories about childhood memories and could remember meticulous details. Her vivacious presence kept us all together and laughing, which also worked out well for her activities at the Tree Foundation.

At this time no formal ceremony is planned. An update will be posted once plans are set. We ask that in-lieu of flowers, donations be made in Melissa’s honor to The Tree Foundation of Kern County.