Melissa Ann Taylor

Melissa Ann Taylor of Adrian, Michigan, passed away at age 55 on February 28, 2026, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, Florida.
Melissa was born on August 21, 1970, in Ypsilanti, Michigan to Ruth Ann Miller (McIntire) and Virgil Carl Rockwell. She graduated from Saline High School in 1988 while attending Huron Valley Beauty Academy, where she earned multiple cosmetology awards. Melissa built a career as an administrative assistant and pursued higher education while raising her children as a devoted single mother. On St. Patrick's Day 2015, she married Michael Taylor. Together, they enjoyed gardening, home projects, and day trips.
Melissa had a boundless creative spirit. She expressed herself by creating art such as traditional Ukrainian pysanky eggs, ink and marker drawings, scrapbooks, and jewelry. She often delighted family and friends by sharing homemade meals and treats made with love. Her greatest passion, however, was roller skating, which she called her "therapy." She skated several days a week for nearly 15 years and formed many lasting friendships at the Adrian Skatery and through roller derby.
Melissa is survived by her husband, Michael Taylor; her children, John Richards Jr. and Samantha Richards; her stepchildren, Jonathan (Monica Davis) Taylor and Jessica (Chris) Hartwig; her sisters, Heather (Larry) Broughton and Renee Dorr; her brothers, Matthew Rockwell and Richard Rockwell; and several nieces and nephews, step-grandchildren, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Ann Miller (McIntire); her father, Virgil Carl Rockwell; and her stepfather, Dwayne Leon Miller.
Melissa always said she wanted a party, not a funeral, and so to honor that wish, there will be a celebration of life held at the Adrian Skatery on Thursday, April 30th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Melissa showed love through giving, and her final act of kindness was the gift of life through organ donation. In lieu of flowers, please consider a financial contribution to Donate Life America (DonateLife.net/Contribute) to honor Melissa's legacy and continue the lifesaving work of organ, eye, and tissue donation.