Melissa Joy Russell, 41, of Vader, WA, fell asleep in death on September 28, 2023 after a 13 year courageous battle with breast cancer.

Melissa was born January 18, 1982 to Cindie Jolene Medina and Dennie Demaranville in Klamath Falls, Oregon. At the age of 5 she moved to Hoquiam Washington and attended Hoquiam High School (class of 2000). After spending the majority of her life living in Grays Harbor, she eventually settled in Olympia, Washington and spent the last 2 years of her life being cared for by her mother, Cindie Medina, and stepfather, Rob Medina, in Vader, Washington. She was a devoted and loving mother of 2 daughters, Katie Ann Russell born December 9, 2002 and Emily Lynn Russell born March 24, 2005.

As a true Pacific Northwestern girl, Melissa loved the beach and the weather didn't matter to her. Rain or shine, it was beautiful in her eyes. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life; watching old movies, musicals, and Jim Carrey comedies, camping, spending time with family and friends chatting or sharing a meal together. She'd challenge anyone to a game of Rummy or Yahtzee but you'd have to keep an eye on her because she would "win" every time. She wouldn't pass up a bowl of good ol' classic chili, her Grandma Joy's baked Mac n' Cheese, cream of wheat, maple bars, or pickles. Her close friends and family will forever and fondly think of her when they see a bottle of mustard. She loved mustard on practically everything and there was no such thing as too much mustard to Melissa.

Her true joy though, was being one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Her volunteer work in the ministry brought her so much happiness. She loved to read the bible and share, with others, her belief of a better future that God has in store for mankind. Her daily morning routine consisted of sending her friends and family an encouraging scripture. She didn't let cancer rob her of who she was. She loved to make people laugh and was a true friend who always had a listening ear. She was a beloved presence who truly saw the good in all people even if they had wronged her. She set a beautiful example of forgiveness, faith and kindness. She had a quiet strength, never complained, and was always looking forward to that better future that she knew was just around the corner.

Melissa was preceded in death by her brother, Aaron Demaranville and her nephew, Cameron Demaranville. She is survived by her mother, Cindie Jolene Medina; her father, Dennie Demaranville; her Stepfather, Rob Medina; her brother, Ryan Demaranville; her two children, Katie and Emily Russell; her Grandfather, John Rosander; her Grandmother, Joy Rosander; her five nieces; her aunts and uncles; and her numerous cousins.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses at the Winlock Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses, 401 SW Kerron St. Winlock Wa 98596

"I have fought the fine fight,

I have run the race to the finish,

I have observed the faith."

2 Timothy 4:7