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PO Box 796, 1700 South 15th Ave, Ozark, MO 65721
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Melinda Welch July 10, 1957 - October 31, 2020

On Saturday, October 31, 2020, Melinda Ann Welch, age 63 lost her life after a battle with COVID pneumonia. Melinda was dedicated to serving others. She was a lunch buddy for 3 years with the Girls and Boys Club and volunteered alongside her husband Mark at their fundraisers for the past 5 years. She also worked with the Gathering of Friends, Co-founder of Hearts for the Homeless, cooking and serving 1000’s of homemade meals with endless love. She truly cared for and befriended the homeless community. For the past several years, she volunteered at The Venues church in Springfield as a greeter and provided a beautiful smile and warm welcome at the door. Melinda was a lover of birds and butterflies. She even raised and released Monarch’s and had almost completed her Master Gardening training. She was an amazing adventurous chef, canner of delicious salsas and jams and baker of delicious breads and treats. Nana was her name and spoiling was her game.

Melinda was an incredible business woman excelling at everything she did. She always stood up for what was right, whether it was the company, a colleague, or a customer. She had a huge heart and was the glue that held the family together. She showed love, understanding and compassion. She loved her family dearly, especially her 9 grandchildren. She was incredibly in love with her husband Mark, whom she has been married to for nearly 20 years. They loved to cook elaborate meals together and were the best of friends. Melinda loved spending time with her family during the annual cookie baking and holiday gatherings. She loved spending time with her daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren in Colorado and was so looking forward to moving close to them. She will be so incredibly missed by her husband Mark, daughter Mandie and step-daughters Amy, Aislynn, Alayna and Ali, her sisters Pam Sawyers, Ellen Bottoms and Lisa Ikerd, and Linda Bain who often considered herself the fourth sister. She had many close relationships and gave so much of herself to those friendships. She was an extraordinary woman and the world will be a little less bright without her.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to the Boys and Girls club of Springfield, Gathering Friends or a donation for the maintenance to the Eisenhower cemetery just outside Spokane, Missouri. She will be interred there near her mother and father. If attending Melinda’s memorial service please practice social distancing and wear a mask at all times.

Memorial services for Melinda will be 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 3, 2020 in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. A come and go visitation will be 6:00 P.M. Tuesday until service time in the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.

Effective October 21, 2020 through December 31, 2020 the City of Ozark, Missouri issued a mask ordinance. A requirement to wear face coverings when in public, for the purpose of preventing or limiting the spread of COVID-19. Barnes Funeral Home is following the ordinance and recommend social distance guidelines. The family and staff thank you in advance, for your understanding during these difficult times.

Condolences(20)

  1. REPLY
    John Aleckna says
    November 2, 2020 at 7:26 am

    Melinda’s grace touched so many people and I feel fortunate to have been one of them. I can’t imagine having such a loss, but please know I share in you loss.

  2. REPLY
    Kelly Quigg says
    November 2, 2020 at 10:05 am

    My heart goes out to you all. I am so grateful to have worked with Melinda and witnessed the light she brings to everyone she encounters. I know the hole it is leaving in my heart so I can only imagine the impact of her loss on her family. The best way I can honor her is to try to live up to the example she set in serving others. My prayers are with you all.

  3. REPLY
    Jay and Tamara Carter says
    November 2, 2020 at 10:12 am

    We are very sorry to hear of the loss of Melinda. She was always a joy and will be deeply missed. Please accept our sincere condolences.

  4. REPLY
    Dave and Judy Aug says
    November 2, 2020 at 1:03 pm

    We are so sad for your loss. Melinda was truly a bright spot in the world, and she made everyone around her better for her presence. She will be greatly missed.

  5. REPLY
    Denise Salerno says
    November 2, 2020 at 1:26 pm

    Mark and family- we are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are broken, Vincent and I both loved Melinda and considered her a true, rare friend. She was an amazing person, friend, co-worker, volunteer and most importantly wife and mother. She shared a loving story about Mark, her kids or grandkids each and every day we that we worked together in a tiny cubicle. She loved everyone so much! She will be deeply missed by so many. Our prayers are with you all. -All our love, Vinny and Denise Salerno

  6. REPLY
    Stephanie Walsh says
    November 2, 2020 at 4:54 pm

    Melinda was such a special woman! She had a special way of making us all feel so welcomed and important. I only wish I had more time to get to know her. I know that Melinda is at peace and she will be an inspiration for all of us to live and love like she did. My condolences to you all, I hope that you will find some joy in how many lives she has touched for the better. Continual prayers for all of you.

  7. REPLY
    Gena & Scott Yarber says
    November 2, 2020 at 5:02 pm

    Our condolences to you at this heart breaking time. Melinda had such a very kind and gracious spirit – she will be dearly missed. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

  8. REPLY
    Cathy Bowman White says
    November 2, 2020 at 6:12 pm

    My sincere sympathy to the entire family! I am sorry for your loss and please know we are keeping you all in our prayers and thoughts! Much love to all.

  9. REPLY
    Georgia Hockenjos says
    November 2, 2020 at 6:33 pm

    Mark, my thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and friends as you navigate this journey! May you find peace in the many memories you shared and created.

  10. REPLY
    Heather McNamara says
    November 2, 2020 at 10:21 pm

    Melinda was a positive light who had a smile for everyone. It was a pleasure to work with her for many years and to also call her a friend. My sincere condolences to her family.

  11. REPLY
    Naomi Harter says
    November 3, 2020 at 9:35 am

    Mark, I was very sorry to hear about Melinda, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. I didn’t know Melinda very well, but the few times we did meet she so very warm and had a light about her. Sending you my condolences.

  12. REPLY
    Maggie Riggs says
    November 3, 2020 at 9:45 am

    Melinda was such a giving and bright light in the world. For four years she was part of Kelly’s, her Lunch Buddy, life. She came every week to visit with him and support him. This was increasingly important when his mom was deployed for a year. She guided him through the rough times and celebrated his accomplishments. She was the hug, smile and unconditional love every child needs. We will miss Melinda as part of our Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks family. We are so sorry for your loss and will be thinking of you and your family.

  13. REPLY
    Maggie Riggs says
    November 3, 2020 at 10:35 am

    Melinda was such a giving and bright light in the world. She took time every week to be part of Kelly’s, her Lunch Buddy, life. This was increasingly important when his mom was deployed for a year. She guided him through the rough times and celebrated his accomplishments. She was the hug, smile and unconditional love every child needs. We will miss Melinda as part of our Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks family. We are so sorry for your loss and will be thinking of you and your family.

  14. REPLY
    John Dodson says
    November 3, 2020 at 11:53 am

    Mark, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family.

  15. REPLY
    Abilyn Haase says
    November 3, 2020 at 1:41 pm

    I am so heartbroken to hear of this loss! My heart goes out to all of her family, friends and anyone else who ever met Melinda. She was such a sweet heart/soul, and her loss will be felt by many. Love & hugs, Melinda!!

  16. REPLY
    Charlotte and Andrew Hansen says
    November 3, 2020 at 2:39 pm

    May the many memories you share of Melinda bring you comfort in this difficult time. She has a beautiful soul that will live on. Her love and generosity touched so many and I am honored to have worked with her and call her my friend. She will be greatly missed. Supporting thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

  17. REPLY
    raymond M wagoner says
    November 3, 2020 at 3:46 pm

    Loved Melinda Ann Welch and the entire family. My deepest heartfelt sympathy to the entire family.
    Raymond Wagoner

  18. REPLY
    Karen Hart says
    November 3, 2020 at 5:38 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear of Ann’s passing. My heartfelt sympathies to the entire family.

  19. REPLY
    Tim McCann says
    November 4, 2020 at 10:05 pm

    My deepest sympathies for the entire Welch family. Her soul was a light for all to see. She showed such kindness during rough times for our family, but that is just her way. I pray peace, love and grace for all.

  20. REPLY
    Judy King Williams says
    November 14, 2020 at 6:36 pm

    Mark and Mandie, still can’t believe this. She was such a wonderful, loving person and good friend. My heart and prayers are with you now and always.

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