Melissa J. Miller

Melissa Jacquelyn Miller, 31, of Bayard Street Port Ewen, NY, passed away on August 5th, 2023 in a tragic car accident. Melissa was born on March 14, 1992 to Alicia (Shelightner) Jocelyn and Robert Miller in Kingston, New York. She is the Stepdaughter to Gregg Jocelyn, mother to Aliyanna Bonesteel, Fiance to Andrew Bonesteel and Granddaughter of Donna Miller of Port Ewen. After Melissa graduated from Kingston High School in 2010, she went on to study Criminal Justice at Columbia Greene. Melissa's plan was to go into corrections, but realized in 2017 her calling was with Emergency Services as a Dispatcher and was most recently promoted to Supervisor with Ulster County Emergency Communications-911. Melissa was a member of Town of Esopus Volunteer Ambulance Squad (TEVAS) and enjoyed spending time giving back to her community. In 2009, Melissa met the love of her life Andrew Bonesteel at a mutual friend's house. Melissa and Andrew were inseparable. On July 23, 2012 they introduced their daughter Aliyanna Grace Bonesteel into the world. Aliyanna quickly won over her mother's heart and the two of them did absolutely everything together. They all enjoyed quality time going camping, being by the water and making bonfires with friends. Whenever seeing Melissa you would always see her little shadow following close behind. Melissa was a wonderful mother and she made raising a child look effortless. Melissa's generosity never went unnoticed. She had the most giving heart and her friends were truly her family. Everything Melissa did, she did with the intention of helping others. She always put everyone above herself and she did it with such humility. Outside of Melissa's service she also enjoyed visiting vineyards with her friends, watching basketball and spending time outdoors, more specifically hanging out on the lake. She is survived by her mother and stepfather Alicia and Gregg Jocelyn, father and stepmother Robert Miller and Denise Chuimento, sister and brother in law Nicole and Tyler Larson, sister Alex Jocelyn and fiance Kenneth Grisman, Fiance Andrew Bonesteel and daughter Aliyanna Bonesteel as well as her cherished pets Rocky, Nova and Chase. Along with many other family and friends, and First Responders, who love her and will miss her dearly. Melissa is preceded by her Grandmother Jacquelyn Lefever, Grandfather A. Franklin Shelightner, Great Grandmother Marjorie Morris, Great Grandfather Franklin Morris as well as childhood friend Laura Manello.The family will receive friends at the Gilpatric-VanVliet Funeral Home, 339 Broadway, Ulster Park, on Friday August 11, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.A graveside service followed by interment, will be held at the family plot at Montrepose Cemetery, Kingston, on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 am, the Rev. Dr. David M. Brechter will officiate. There is no public procession from the funeral home to the cemetery, service attendees should proceed directly to the cemetery. Melissa's family requests that in lieu of flowers, that a contribution be considered to an educational fund currently being established for Aliyanna, which can be collected during the visitation period. Share a condolence, visit Melissa's Tribute page: www.GVVFH.com