Melanie Lyn Rigsbee

Melanie Lyn Rigsbee, 65, of Marion, awoke in the presence of the Lord on August 15, 2025. She was born on June 11, 1960, in Bluffton, Indiana, to Philip C. and Gertrude “Trudy” Rigsbee.

Melanie was a dear and joyful soul who loved to sing, dance, and especially shined when doing karaoke and clogging. She had an adventurous spirit and a boldness that made her unafraid to try new things. Above all, she loved the Lord with her whole heart and lived her life in faith.

Melanie was a graduate of Mississinewa High School and served as a candy striper at Marion General Hospital. She then pursued her studies at the John Robert Powers Modeling Agency before continuing her education at Marion Business College, which she attended until her eyesight began to affect her ability to drive. She worked at Twin City Nursing Home in Gas City before sharing her talents as a teacher of Braille at the Lucille Raines School for the Blind. She later dedicated many fulfilling years to Dungarvin, where she supported individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health needs, and behavioral challenges.

Melanie was also a gifted writer. She once traveled to Washington, D.C., to receive an award for a heartfelt poem she wrote about her mother, Trudy—an accomplishment she held close to her heart.

Most of her adult life was spent in Indianapolis. She enjoyed traveling and loved her pets, Olivia and Poncho. She cherished her family deeply and was active in her faith through First Christian Church, New Hope Baptist Church, and St. Matthews Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her mother, Trudy Rigsbee; siblings Phil (Debbie) Rigsbee, Kim (Barry) Soultz, Brett (Beth) Rigsbee, and Lori Rigsbee; nephews Tim(Carey), Miles, and Kelly; nieces Brittany(Bryan), Abby, Angie(Wayne), and Peyton; nephews Jordan and Ethan; great-nieces Amelia, and Haileigh; and great nephews Braydon, Bryson, Syrus, and Landon; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Melanie was welcomed into heaven by her father, Philip C. Rigsbee; grandparents, Ralph and Margaret Gray, and Paul and Martha Rigsbee; and niece Janel Flynn

Her adventurous spirit and unwavering faith will be remembered always by those who knew and loved her.