Melissa Ann Osmond

Melissa Ann Osmond, 57, of Portland, Oregon, passed away on July 31, 2025. Born on December 13, 1967, in San Antonio, Texas, Melissa was the beloved daughter of Wayne and Becky Osmond. She spent her childhood in Oklahoma City, where she graduated as valedictorian from Northwest Classen High School.

Melissa continued her education at Oklahoma State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. Her lifelong passion for service and adventure began early with a youth bike trip through Europe organized by First Presbyterian Church. These formative experiences led to many mission trips throughout high school and college, where she served as assistant director for the church’s youth and mission programs during summer breaks.

Melissa’s journey of service and exploration took her around the world. She served in the Peace Corps in Togo, West Africa, worked with teens through the Northwest Youth Corps in Oregon, and held diverse roles including park ranger in Vermont and ski lift operator in Wyoming, and river rafting guide on the Snake River.

She later earned a master’s degree in public health from Oregon State University and went on to work at a hospital in Haiti for over a year. Melissa ultimately settled into a fulfilling role as the Student Wellness Coordinator at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. There, she led students on study abroad programs to Tanzania and Kenya, even summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro. She also played a vital role in guiding the college through three years of COVID-19 safety protocols.

Melissa is survived by her loving parents, Wayne and Becky Osmond; her sisters Leslie Officer (and husband Mark) and Kadie Ramsay; and by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a great-nephew. She will be remembered for her courage, kindness, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

A celebration of Melissa’s life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Oregon Northwest Youth Corps, an organization close to her heart:

Northwest Youth Corps

By mail: 2621 Augusta St, Eugene, OR 97403

Online: www.nwyouthcorps.org