Melissa (Nash) Cooley, 51, of Hillsboro died Nov. 14, 2025, in Festus. Mrs. Cooley was known for her big heart, hugs and kind words of advice. She was strong in her faith and enjoyed her church family. She loved spending time with her family, especially her children. She was a homeschool administrator, a Sunday school teacher and helped with teen night activities and the children's activities and outings. She also enjoyed being a part of bible camp in Arkansas. She enjoyed singing, painting, helping others, cleaning and cooking for Bethel Church's annual homecoming, gardening, star gazing and praying. Born Jan. 28, 1974, in Pittsburgh, Pa., she was the daughter of Patricia Ann Nash and the late Robert Wayne Nash.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband: John Cooley, whom she married on Nov. 8, 2013, in Festus; four children: Katelyn (Griffin Dennis) Muenck, John Robert “JR” Cooley, Callie Cooley and Hope Cooley; aunts and uncles: Mary Alice Kruth, Joanne (Joseph) Paravati, Elaine (Paul) Lesniak, Henry J. Rudzki Jr., Christine Nash and Dwayne J. Nash; and many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Henry and Angeline Rudzki and Stella Gelet.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until a funeral service at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at Bethel Church, 1233 American Legion Drive, in Festus. Burial will be in Peaceful Ridge Cemetery in De Soto. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill Mortuary, Robert Brown Chapel, in Hillsboro.