Melissa Ann Stauffer, 46, of Van Wert gained her wings on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.

Melissa was born on July 17, 1975, in Bluffton, Indiana the daughter of Tara (Stauffer) Tinnel of Van Wert.

She enjoyed time with her children, grandchildren, family, arts and crafts. She spent much of her time with members of the motor cycle club she was associated with.

Melissa is survived by her life partner, Charles W. Gurganus; two sons, Mitchell (Janelle) Stauffer of Lancaster, South Carolina and Charles J. (Anna Vibbert) Gurganus of Van Wert; a daughter, Tara (Robert Ainsworth) Gurganus of Van Wert; and six grandchildren, Maddix Bannister, Nevaeh Ainsworth, Arabella Ainsworth, Kinsley Stauffer, Helix Gurganus, and Brantley Ainsworth. Also surviving are a sister, Rachelle (Barry) Leppard of Wren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding her death are her grandfather, Robert Stauffer, grandmother, Ana Stauffer and an uncle, Rick Stauffer.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home with Dave Wall officiating. There will be calling hours from 11:00 a.m. until time of services on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to assist with funeral arrangements.