Melissa A. Roeder Downton, 60, Indianapolis/West Lafayette, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 9, 2019.
She lived at The Indiana Veteran’s Home for the past six years. During this time she was voted five years in a row as secretary for the Resident Assembly. Melissa served on the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disability January 1, 2011 until December 31, 2012 for the city of Indianapolis. She loved her adult coloring books, crafts & bingo.
She was preceded in death by mother, Maxine F. Kinslow Roeder, husband, Herbert “Herbie” Downton, step-sister, Theresa “Terri” Jeliffe, and step-brother-in-law, Jim Jeliffe.
Survivors: father, Alfred Roeder, step-mother, Donna Roeder, three sisters; Karen (Ed) Robinson, Stacie Roeder & Sheila Roeder, two step-brothers; Rick (Lesia) French & Randy (Clara) French; one step-sister, LaDona (Jerry) Skillman, two cousins; Curly (Marilyn) Roeder & Kathy Sauceda, three nephews; one niece & several great nephews & nieces. She will be truly missed & was loved by all.
Visitation will start at 3 PM & Services will begin at 3:30 PM on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at The Indiana Veteran’s Home MacArthur Auditorium, 3851 N. River Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906. In lieu of flowers; make donations to the Indiana Veteran’s Home & in the memo box state: In memory of Melissa Downton.
Kathy Sauceda says
Melissa was one of the kindest, most loving people I have ever met. She touched so many during her time here with us. Truly she will be missed.
Eddie says
I had the pleasure of seeing Melissa daily at the Veterans Home. Her warm demeanor and kind smile will be missed.. I enjoyed seeing her coloring the days away all the time.
The board she made for the last meeting is adorn with pictures of spring she colored. Rest In Peace. You will truly be missed.
Donna Shaw says
I loved her very much. Melissa and I would talk for hours. She was loving and kind. She always had time for anyone who needed someone to talk to. She went above the call of duty to love others. I am a better person for knowing her. I will miss her until I see her again.
Thelma Hamilton-Strong says
So sorry Sheila to hear of the passing of your sister.You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers Your friend, Thelma Strong
Katie Klopp says
So Sorry for your loss Sheila. Praying for you and your family. Love, Katie
Greg Waltz says
I met Melissa when I started in the transportation department back in August 2018 , she was always a joy to have her on my bus and the stories we’d share were of the upmost memorable , I always enjoyed stoping in the hallways of IVH and sitting with her and talking to her about every day life events , she was always a joy to talk to and I felt a strong bond with Melissa …her untimely passing was a great loss and she will be greatly missed…God Speed to Melissa and her family
Robert Iman says
I only knew Melissa through our many Facebook postings, and even there, her warmth and gentle spirit resonated. She seemed like such a sweet and kind person. My heart breaks for all who knew her in person, who have lost such a dear friend, family member, and loving soul. I know Melissa brought great joy into this world and will live on in eternal bliss as she will in my heart. Rest in Peace, Melissa A. Roeder Downton… I miss as I will always remember you.