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Heather Marie Melson, 55, of Ellsinore, MO, passed away Friday, October 24, 2025, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, MO. She was born in St. Charles, IL, July 18, 1970, to parents Trina (Melson) Dougherty, Daniel Linden, Wyn Meurlott and Gary Dougherty.
Heather was a loving daughter, mother, granddaughter, sister, and friend whose kindness and warmth touched everyone she met.
Heather had a creative spirit and was an avid crafter who loved attending craft shows, gardening, and decorating her home for every holiday. Her joy for life shone through in her hobbies and in the way she cared for those around her. She enjoyed traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
She is preceded in death by her beloved grandfather, William “Poppy” Melson; husband: Tommy Hopkins; sister, Bambi English.
Heather is survived by her mother, Trina Dougherty of Greenville; father, Daniel of Maine; and she also lovingly considered Wyn Meurlott and Gary Dougherty, a father and they both had a hand in raising her; children: Coty Dwight and companion Krystal Brew of Ellsinore, Anthony Dwight and wife Megan of Poplar Bluff, Asia Dwight and companion Daniel Sauls of Greenville, Trevis Hopkins and companion Celeste Sandras of Louisiana; grandchildren: Dameon, Christian, Lillian, and Tanner Dwight, John and Isaiah Sauls, Isabella Williams, and Quinn Hopkins; brothers: Joseph Dougherty of Williamsville, Robbie Byers of Texas; sisters: Tina Kendall of Illinois, Nickie Cunningham of Poplar Bluff, Charlene Green and husband Jered of Greenville, and Merry Jones and husband Eldon of Greenville; best friends: Shelly Helm and husband Donny of Greenville; many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
Heather’s legacy of love, creativity, and devotion to family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
Visitation was held at 12:00 pm, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville Chapel. Funeral service followed at 2:00 pm, also in the Greenville Chapel. Bro. Kenny Burchard ministered to the family. Coty Dwight, Anthony Dwight, Donny Helm, Daniel Sauls, David Helm, Donny Helm Jr., Trevis Hopkins, and Christian Evans served as pallbearers. Burial was in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Williamsville, MO. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com
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