Melanie Hawkes

Melanie R. Hawkes, 51, of Gladstone, Missouri, was born in Port Jervis, New York on March 13, 1974, and passed away at North Kansas City Hospital on December 16, 2025. Melanie spent her early years in Unionville, New York, where she attended Minisink Valley Central School, and later moved to Longview, Texas to complete her junior and senior years at Pine Tree High School. After graduation she attended cosmetology school.

Melanie ultimately made her home in Kansas City, Missouri, where she drew upon her cosmetology training to become one of the best dog groomers in the Kansas City metro area. Through her work, she loved and cared for countless pets and their families.

She is preceded in death by Daniel M. Withrow, her daughters’ father, her maternal and paternal grandparents, and her nephew Joseph K. Hawkes.

Melanie is survived by her daughters, Kira C. Hawkes and Mattie D. Hawkes-Withrow; her father, Joseph K. Hawkes; her mother, Dawn M. William; her sister, Kim M. Miller; her brothers, Joseph J. Hawkes and Shane R. Schmick; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, December 29, 2025, at Weatherby Lake Community Center located at 8230 Potomac Ave., Weatherby Lake, MO 64152. Family and friends are invited to share memories and honor Melanie’s life. Reception and Fellowship will take place from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a eulogy at 3:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to Camp Systole in Melanie’s honor. Please make check payable to CHD Families with Camp Systole in the Memo and mail to 615 NE 94th Terr, KCMO 64155, or Venmo @chdfamiles last 4 digits 9706 or PayPal send to [email protected].