Melissa Osborne

(From Clark Funeral Home)

The most loved wife, daughter, sister, aunt, teacher and friend, Melissa Dawn (Tucker) Osborne, walked into the arms of Jesus on August 4, 2021 in Joplin, Missouri, due to complications of COVID-19 at the age of 40. 

Melissa was born December 30, 1980, in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, the first of five children born to Bill and Karin (Ludwig) Tucker. Melissa grew up and graduated high school in Valley Center, Kansas in 1999 and continued her education at Hannibal-LeGrange University, earning a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She was currently earning her Master's Degree in Counseling from Lindenwood University. 

 After teaching her first year in Neosho, Melissa moved to Mansfield, Texas, where she taught for nine years. She returned to Neosho in 2014 where she taught kindergarten, first and second grades at Benton, Carver, and Goodman Elementary schools and most recently worked as the school counselor for Goodman Elementary. 

Melissa loved to travel and had traveled extensively both nationally and internationally. She loved to cook and entertain and make those who visited her home feel welcome. Melissa loved her “littles” fiercely. Whether it be nieces and nephews, kids in her classroom, or children taught at church, Melissa was a constant loving presence in the lives of boys and girls. She met all humans, big and little, where they were and worked so hard to see them succeed. Her students were able to see and feel Jesus through her as she created a lasting love for learning, reading, and exploring. 

Lovingly known as Sissa, Missa and Aunt Melissa, she always spoiled her littles rotten. The essence of who she was and how she loved came from her love for Jesus Christ. Melissa was a member of Cross Church Neosho. There she served in both children’s and music ministry as she loved to teach children about Jesus and worship and sing to the Lord. 

Melissa married the love of her life, Matthew Osborne, on June 27, 2015, in Joplin. Matt and Melissa spent their life serving others by having an open door to teenagers, family, and friends. 

In addition to her husband, Melissa leaves behind her parents, Bill and Karin Tucker of Neosho; two brothers, Brandon (Heather) Tucker of Monett and Cameron (Mikayla) Tucker of Mulvane, Kansas; two sisters, Meleah (Josh) Yarnell of Neosho and Michaela (Braden) Schoenthaler of Derby, Kansas; maternal grandparents, Gayle and Farolyn Ludwig of Neosho and Joyce Jackson of Lee's Summit; Father and Mother-in-law, Mike and Terry Osborne of Neosho; three Sisters-in-law, Laura (Heath) Shadwick of Neosho, Julie (Jeff) Lippert of Neosho and Beth (Brian) Millard of Joplin; Grandmother-in-law, Ilene (Harley) Hayden; Grandfather-in-law, Jackie (Donna) Osborne; twenty-one nieces and nephews; numerous other family and many friends. 

 She is preceded in death by her paternal grandfathers, Owen Tucker and Herbert Jackson; paternal uncle, David Tucker and a niece, Millie Jaymes Shadwick.

SPECIAL NOTE: Clark Funeral Home will continue to follow social distancing protocols as advised by the CDC and the State of Missouri.

VISITATION

Clark Funeral Home - Neosho
Sunday, August 08, 2021
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
312 S. Wood St.
Neosho, Missouri 64850

Contributions in memory of Melissa may be made to the Melissa Osborne Memorial Fund for Neosho Cross Church Building or Neosho Bright Futures Program, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO 64850

FUNERAL SERVICE

First Baptist Church
Monday, August 09, 2021
2:00 PM
Email Details
12325 E Highway 86
Neosho, MO 64850

Interment will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery, south of Neosho, Missouri