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Melissa Marie "Fort" McLaughlin

About

Fairmont High School University of Cincinnati

Melissa McLaughlin Obituary

News Death Notice

McLAUGHLIN, Melissa Marie "Fort" (Fortener) age 30 of Cincinnati, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 03, 2009 at Hospice of Dayton surrounded by her loved ones. Melissa is preceded in death by her son John Patrick, grandmother Marie Rotert, grandfather Donald Fortener and uncle Steve Rotert. She is survived by husband John C., her parents Don and Pam (Rotert) Fortener, brother Nick (Meredith) Fortener and her pride and joy, nephew Drew Fortener, her in-laws John and Diana (Jonas) McLaughlin, sisters-in-law, Aileen (Tom) Horch and Erin McLaughlin, grandfather Irvin Rotert, grandmother Rosella Fortener, aunts: Sue, Donna, Jean (Steve), Mary, Judy (Bob), Jan (Ron), uncles: Tom, Mike, Steve and numerous cousins, nephews, niece and a host of special friends and supporters. Melissa graduated from Fairmont High School (1996), Ohio University (2000). She was employed by the Division of Professional Practices at the University of Cincinnati. She was active in volleyball, rugby, scrapbooking, was an avid writer (www.fortscancersux.blogspot.com) and was known for her great sense of humor. Mass of Resurrection will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 8, 2009 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 272 Bainbridge Street, Dayton, OH with Fr. Rick Friebel officiating. Burial will follow in David's Cemetery in Kettering, OH. The family will receive friends 3-8 p.m., Wednesday at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Road, Kettering. Contributions may be made in Melissa's memory to Susan G. Komen Foundation, 522 Cincinnati Mills Drive, Suite C281, Cincinnati, OH 45240, Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45402, or Fairmont Athletic Boosters, 3301 Shroyer Rd., Kettering, OH 45429. Melissa's family would like to thank the staff of 3W and 3S at Kettering Memorial Hospital, Dr. Mark Romer , nurse Joni, and the staff at Hospice of Dayton for their loving care.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Springfield News-Sun on Jan. 4, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Melissa McLaughlin

96 Entries

Tom & Sarah Vollrath

April 6, 2009

John & Diana, We were saddened to hear about your daughter-inlaw. May Our Wonderful God hold you and especially your son in his ever loving Hands. Tom & Sarah

jerry geswein

April 6, 2009

To The Fortener Family
I'm sorry to hear about Melissa. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.May you find comfort in knowing she was loved and will be missed by all that knew her.
With my deepest sympathy,
Jerry Geswein

Jan Bird

January 26, 2009

John, Donnie, Nick, Mere, Drew and especially Pam,
What a tremendous send off for such a beautiful woman. She will always be a part of all of our life's. I am so sorry for your loss. I know she is smiling down on you as she holds JP and is now at peace. I love you all and will always be here for you.

Jen Smith

January 23, 2009

Fort's blog about The 3 Day was what encouraged and excited me to do the walk. I was in the middle of chemo when I read her blog, and am happy to report I walked all 60 miles even though it has now progressed to bone mets. We emailed back and forth and chatted online about cancer, rugby, and family. She was an amazing person and will be sadly missed by never forgotten.
Fort, I know you'll be at my homecoming party when God says, "Enough, come home."

Jen (a YSC sister)

Bev Tangeman

January 20, 2009

Don & Pam,

I just tonight heard about Melissa's passing. We are so sorry to learn of this terrible loss. My memories of Melissa are mostly from Birchwood and then high school sports, and lastly right after her marriage. What a wonderful, beautiful, and fun girl she has always been and will always be in all our hearts.

Ed, Bev, Susan, Chris & Karen Tangeman

Joe Smith

January 13, 2009

Johnny Mac, I am sorry for your loss and for the loss to all of us of a great women. There are no words that will convey the feelings, know that I am here if you need me brother. Joe

Amber (Hall) Hamilton

January 9, 2009

My deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers go out to the Fortner family. Melissa was one of a kind, and she will be missed by all.

Linda Dean - DMAX

January 9, 2009

Pam,

Please know that everyone here at DMAX who worked with you at Moraine Meadows extends their sympathy to you and your family. We know that Melissa was a special lady and that the two of you had a special mother-daughter bond. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Linda

Kara Kendall

January 9, 2009

So sorry to read of Melissa's passing. I worked with Don briefly at Intergraph and I could tell she was a very special lady.

May God bring you comfort and peace.

Kathy Emerson, LPN Hospice of Dayton

January 9, 2009

It was a pleasure to become aquainted with, share with and care for Melissa during her "swing by" Hospice of Dayton. What a kind, humorous and strong person. She truly had an impact on each of us who cared for her at Hospice. You all gave her such wonderful 'gifts of your presence and love' in her final days. Her blog is a fantastic gift to each of us.

Gayle Weber

January 9, 2009

To the Fortner and McLaughlin families, I had the pleasure of knowing Fort through the rugby family and my daughter Kristey. Melissa was always there for me after Kristey died, with a kind word or that great smile. It seems that they both looked at life the same way and people remember them for their kindness, sense of humor, laughter and great smiles. I'm sure that they are on the "Big Pitch" enjoying one another's silliness again and Little John is right there with them. May you find comfort and peace in knowing what a great person she was and how many lives she touched along the way. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jonathan McGinty

January 9, 2009

I would like to express my deapest of sympathy's. No words can express the saddness in my heart for you family during this time.

My memories of Fort are of this great happy go lucky gal who seemed to always find a smile on her face! She is just an incredible person and has touched so many people.

She will be missed dearly, but remembered in our hearts and minds for the rest of time.

Matt Glaser

January 8, 2009

As everyone has mentioned, Melissa was a very special and resilient girl. She will be sorely missed, yet equally celebrated for her steadfast attitude and infectious personality. The Class of '96 has lost a true friend, but knows that she no longer suffers. There will never be another like her. Miss you, Fort!

LORETTA RASOR

January 8, 2009

THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT COULD MAKE YOU FEEL ANY BETTER BUT I
KNOW YOU WONT GET TIRED OF HEARING WHAT A BEAUTIFUL AND STRONG WILLED PERSON MELISSA WAS AND IM SO GLAD TO HAVE MET HER AND ALL JEANS FAMILY.THERE IS SO MUCH LOVE IN THIS FAMILY THAT ITS UNREAL.THEY MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU BELONG TOO IF YOU GO TO ANY OF THEIR FAMILY GATHERINGS.MELISSA IS AT PEACE BUT WILL BE MISSED.

Terri Kerns (Cooney)

January 8, 2009

Pam,Donny,Nick
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With love,
Terri Kerns and Bob Cooney

Amy Foston (Moore)

January 8, 2009

I am very sorry for all familys loss. I only remember her as a smiling girl in the halls at high school. My family will keep her family in our prayers to get through this tough time.

Karen Miller

January 8, 2009

Donnie & Pam: Lewis and I came to the funeral home last night, but due to the numerous amount of people in front of us, we had to leave to pick up Abby and Anna. We did stand in line for a bit and during that time I enjoyed hearing others stories about Melissa. I wish I could have known her myself. What an amazing person she was to have touched so many. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. May time help heal your heart and may memories bring you comfort.

Andrea (Young) Hopkins

January 8, 2009

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I met Melissa in jr. high and even though we were never close friends she was still a very kind and wonderful person. My thought and prayers are with all of you. She will be missed dearly.

Katie Nyhuis

January 8, 2009

Being that our last names began with "F" I knew Melissa from jr. high to high school homerooms and working with volleyball.
I have great memories of her warm heart and fun spirit. What an awesome woman.
My deepest prayers and sympathy for your families.

-Katie (Flook) Nyhuis

Emily Masters

January 8, 2009

Fort will be met with as many people in heaven waiting to say hello as were people waiting in line last night like me for hours just to say goodbye. It is a true testament to her life. I'm singing Christopher Cross "Ride like the Wind" and thinking of us jamming on ride sharing trips back to OU! We will all see you soon enough!

Patrick Reily

January 8, 2009

When Fort passed away, the lustre of the world was diminished by more than just a little. God has taken home one of his own, his choicest spirits because while Fort was here with us, Heaven was imperfect.

We will all miss you, but we look forward to getting to a Heaven that's perfect because you're there.

With much love and sadness,
Patrick Reilly, OURFC

Heather Crowley (Slane)

January 7, 2009

I didn't know Melissa first hand but knew so much about what a fun and inspirational person she was through my sisters, Jill and Carolyn and their husbands Andy and Matt. Given the effect she had on them she was and will always be a truly wonderful person and a blessing to have as a friend. My condolences to all who are missing her.

Barb Ryan

January 7, 2009

Pam, Donnie and family, I can't be there in person to hug you, but know that I am thinking of you and praying for all of you. God will once again give you the strength you need.
Love,
Barb

Susan Hauser

January 7, 2009

Pam, Don, Nick and family,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I know how very special Melissa was to all of you. Please know my prayers are with you. I'm sorry I can not be there for you, but know I'm thinking of you. With love,

Teresa (Biggs) Cramer

January 7, 2009

Dear Pam,

I love you and have been praying for your and your family for a long time and will continue to do so. I send my deepest sympathy to you and yours.

Love,

Barbara Bonelli

January 7, 2009

My deepest sympathy to Johnny Mac, Pam, Donnie, Nick, Meredith and Drew. I will always remember Melissa's smiling face. I don't think I ever saw her any other way. She was truly an inspiration to all who knew her. Cherish the wonderful memories of her too short life and remember that she will always be with you in spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time.

Matt Stuart

January 7, 2009

I had the pleasure of meeting Fort during Spring Break '95 in Panama City and we became instant friends. She was the most fun, most energetic, and caring person I had ever come across. I was lucky enough to keep in touch with her throughout the years and my admiration for her continued to grow until the end. She was a wonderful person and will never be forgotten. God Bless you Fort, as well as your family and friends.

John Vogl

January 7, 2009

My sincere sorrow goes to Fort's family and friends, especially Angie. We all met in Panama City on spring break more than a decade ago, but that translated into lasting friendships and road trips. The loss and pain saddens me, but the memories always make me smile. She certainly was special.

Mary Franz Frommeyer

January 7, 2009

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Melissa touched so many people. I am reminded of the quote from Maya Angelou- "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Melissa made me feel happy every time I spoke to her.

Stephanie Allen (Eifert)

January 7, 2009

The only way I've known Melissa is as a strong courageous woman. All woman would benefit from taking pointers on how to 'Live Life to the Fullest' from Melissa.
Melissa - Thank You for setting the bar higher for woman and leaving your beautiful mark in this world!
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you always.
Joe, Steph, Levi & Rayna Allen

Courtney Bradwell

January 7, 2009

Dear Pam,

I was honored to serve as a bridesmaid with Melissa. Her humor and spirit was everything and more upon meeting her in person. I always kept her in my prayers. I am so sorry for you and your family's loss.

Kind regards,

Courtney

Jenn Larrick (Snyder)

January 7, 2009

Fortener Family:
It's been so long since we've been in touch. The memories I have of Fort and Nick together when she visited Akron are nothing but smiles and laughter. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Abbey Farmer

January 7, 2009

I went to school with Melissa from K to graduation. I followed her blog as soon as I found it. You will be missed. I hope you are free of pain now... my condolences to the family. Melissa was unforgettable...

Bob Van Leeuwen

January 6, 2009

Dear Donnie and Pam:
I am so so sorry to hear the news of your loss. As I was just admiring her picture (and your family) over this past weekend in the Ascension parish yearbook...
My heart goes out to you both, and my prayers are with you , Melissa and her friends and family.
Bob VL

Lisa Goode

January 6, 2009

Pam and Donnie,
I'm so sorry for your loss! I'm so sorry I missed the opportunity to get to know such an outstanding young lady! Wow ... Melissa used to babysit for us, I knew her in highschool, but she grew into such an outstanding, inspirational, human being for many! After reading her blogs ... I felt such awe in her writing and how she handled everything ... She is truely, an angel ... ! My deepest sympathy. Love and prayers!
Lisa Goode

January 6, 2009

Dear Fortener Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Melissa from high school. What a beautiful woman. I pray that happy memories comfort you in this most difficult time.

Very sincerely, Jen (Nagle) Brandt

DeeDee Cooney

January 6, 2009

Pam and Donnie:

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dee Dee (Cooney) Ellis

Shelle Bergeron

January 6, 2009

Don, Pam and family,
I was not fortunate enough to know Melissa, but I know she has great parents and a wonderful brother. I have heard wonderful, funny stories through our mutual friends about her sense of humor. I just want you to know I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
God Bless You All,
Shelle Bergeron

Allison Rodgers

January 6, 2009

I met Melissa a few years ago while my office was located at Commonwealth in Cincinnati. I have never met someone who was so vibrant and full of life. She always had a smile on her face and a positive outlook. Melissa gave humor to those who were blessed to read her blog. I know she is at peace now with God. I know that words cannot console, only time. I pray for the Fortener's and McLaughlin's during this very difficult time.

Laura (Freimuth) McCall

January 6, 2009

Fort,
You truly are an angel in every sense of the word. Thank you for your friendship, your love, your loyalty and most of all for helping me thru one of the darkest times in my life. Your courage, spirit and sense of humor taught me to live life to the fullest and to try not to take it tooooo seriously. Remember Young Life camp? Our Indigo girls concerts? Basketball camp in the Carolinas? In the more recent years you always said to me, "Lu, there is someone out there who would love to have our problems." That is so true. God doesn't give anything we can't handle, and honey, you handled what He dealt you beautifully.
I will miss you, your smile and your sense of humor. I will miss our breakfasts, the Turkey Trot, but most of all, I will miss your warm heart. You have touched more people's lives than you will ever know.
May you rest in peace and know that I will be sending lots of prayers your way!
Love,
Lu

Andy

January 6, 2009

Although I did not know Melissa, I am terribly saddened for your loss of such a beautiful spirit. Thank you for allowing total strangers the opportunity to enjoy her blog. She was someone I would have loved to have known. May God wrap you in his loving arms and comfort you through this most difficult time. And thank you Lord for allowing this incredible woman to touch so many lives.

Kely

January 6, 2009

I don't know Melissa or her family, but I have read her blog and she was a remarkable woman who truly loved her family. She was witty and so dignified while going through such an ordeal. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Linda G

January 5, 2009

I didn't know Melissa, or her family, but after reading her blog, I was so touched by her upbeat spirit, that I had to write to say "how deeply sorry I am for your loss". I too am a Mother, and I can 'only imagine' how painful this has been for all of her family. She sounds like a very strong, positive, woman and wonderful daughter, wife and Mother. She will forever be in your hearts and memories.

May God give you comfort and peace.

With my deepest sympathy.

Hobie and Juanita Worley

January 5, 2009

We were so sorry to hear about melissa. Rosella, jean and Steve and all the Family

Sharlotte Seacatt

January 5, 2009

Dearest FortnerMcLaughlin Families, I worked for many years at K-mart with Rosella and met many of the children and grandchildren. I always remembered Melissa and Nick for their sweet smiles and beautiful eyes,whenever they were in the store.The love and closeness you all shared as a large family was truly something beautiful to witness, may you find comfort in one another and the knowledge that you'll all meet again.Though her life was much too short, she touched so many hearts and made a true difference in the lives of many! I'm so very sorry for your loss.Sharlotte(Rigdon)Seacatt

Marla Duke

January 5, 2009

Pam, Donnie and family, I want to add my deepest sympathy to all of you. Your strong bond as a family will always be reflected in Melissa's life, she was such a jewel. Her presence will remain in our hearts always. Her smile, sense of humor, and twinkle in her eye will fondly be remembered.
God Bless all of You in this time of sorrow.

Cara Jones

January 5, 2009

Although I didn't know Melissa personally, she was an EXCELLENT volleyball coach for Finneytown High School. She really seemed to enjoy coaching the girls, as well as teaching them. I know she fought a hard fight - I saw her a few months ago at one of the home games, and she looked very good. I am so sorry for your loss. I know that nothing I can say will ease your pain right now, but know that she is with God, and will be your guardian angel.

claire moore

January 5, 2009

We were so so lucky and honored to have known Melissa. She will never ever be forgotten..her beautiful spirit will shine always. John, Pam, Donny, Nick, Mer, and all the McLaughlins/Forteners- you are all in our thoughts and prayers. If we can do anything you know where to find us.
Claire and Tony Moore xxxxxxx

Jerry and Lori Notestine

January 5, 2009

Don and Pam,

Our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your precious daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jessica & Brian Hardin

January 5, 2009

There are so many great things to be said about Melissa. She was my cousin and I've never met anyone as happy as Melissa! I have always had the utmost respect for her. Beautiful and intelligent,loving and caring. She was always glowing even when she was sick.Think how great this world would be if we had a lot more people like Melissa McLaughlin (Fortener)!!! Aunt Pam, Uncle Donnie and Nick(Meridith & Drew) You are all in my prayers and if there is anything you need, I am here for you all. Love you all

David Leary

January 5, 2009

We are all mourning the passing of a great person. While you were fighting your cancer you managed to bring me joy and happiness while serving in Iraq. You are a rare individual who will be greatly missed by everyone. We will all rejoice when we see you again in a better place. Love you girl.

all volleyball girls of finneytown

January 5, 2009

we will miss you coach fort and we all love you and you are a tough women and you inspired a lot of us here in finneytown.(volleyball team)

John Reilly

January 5, 2009

I knew Fort through my sons, Pat and Kevin Reilly at OU and their rugby experience. Fort was a significant part of the rugby experience at OU!! What a joy it was to experience her, I just can't imagine Fort as being gone, however I know she is with her son and they are working tirelessly getting things in order for our arrival.
My sincerest sympathy to you and family...no more suffering for her and we all have another good friend in heaven.

Cheryl McHenry Chabali

January 5, 2009

Donny, Pam, Nick, and family;

My deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved daughter and sister. I know Melissa fought her cancer for many years and did it with grace, humor, and courage.
At such a difficult time, I'm reminded of a saying from a friend who's faced enormous health challenges of his own: "It's now how we die, or when we die, or why we die...but how we live that matters." Melissa lived her life to the fullest. May God bless you all and grant you comfort and peace.

David Hulefeld

January 5, 2009

We love you and miss you Fort!! All my thoughts and prayers are with the Fortners. Hula

Kathi Voils

January 5, 2009

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve. I was priviledged to work with Melissa at the Divison of Professional Practice. Melissa's positive attitude will be with me thorughout my life.

Paula Fannon-Ruzick

January 5, 2009

Pam, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.I am truly sorry for your loss.

Renee (Rhoades) Sturkie

January 5, 2009

Bill, Rhoades, Savanna and I wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies for both families as you strive to contend with your profound loss. It is clear that Melissa served, and will continue to serve, as a great inspiration and blessing to those who knew her, and many more who did not. To my sweet Aunt Didi and Uncle John, I am keeping you both in my prayers. Love, Nay

Sandy Henry Campbell

January 5, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with Fort's family and friends at this time of extreme sadness. She was a truly inspirational person. She will be missed.

Our love,
Sandy Henry Campbell and family (Havertown, PA, Stacy Henry Schnieber's sister)

Kara Baker

January 5, 2009

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to your families. Life sure doesn't seem fair sometimes but Melissa seemed to handle her illness with dignity and grace. Her blog was something I looked to daily and found the love she had for her family remarkable.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Kara (Yagley) Baker

Terri & Rick Young

January 5, 2009

I only had the pleasure of meeting Melissa a couple of times but with those times, you immediately felt as though you knew her. I kept informed with her fight through Pam and Sharon and was a loyal reader of her blog. Wow- she had a way with words. Just reading her blog you felt as though you knew her. Her zest for life and the love of her family (especially Drew) was so true. What an amazing woman she was and an inspiration to us all. My heart goes out to Pam, Donnie, John, Nick, Meredith and Drew. Take care. God Bless. Pam, please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Love,

Joni Bragg

January 5, 2009

John, Pam, Donnie and family,
My sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Melissa was one of the greatest people I have had the priveledge of knowing and taking care of. She has been an inspiration to me and to the many patients that she has come into contact with here at our practice. We will all miss her dearly, especially me. She touched my heart. You all have. Her strength and laughter in the midst of a fierce disease can teach us all a thing or two about the meaning of living life to the fullest!! Thank you and may God bless you all in this devastating time.
Joni Bragg, RN, OCN

Amanda Sommer

January 5, 2009

I was blessed to meet Melissa when she trained me to take on the duties and responsibilities she had at Commonwealth and the Cincinnati Railway Company. From the moment I met her I recognized how special she was. I liked her instantly and I am so glad that I got to meet someone as special as she. Her positive attitude was contagious and she will never be forgotten. Words cannot express the good fortune I feel for having met her. My condolences go out to her family, friends and everyone that knew and loved this remarkable lady.

Brian Luebke

January 5, 2009

May God bless the family. Your family and Melissa will be in our prayers. She was a wonderful person and I was grateful to get to know her. She is certainly in a place where God can watch over her. She will be missed:(

Desiray Taylor (Pierce)

January 5, 2009

I have only seen Melissa a couple of times in the past few years but I always read her blogs and I have to say that she was one of the strongest people that I know and I have always looked up to her. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

jerry geswein

January 5, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Terri & Rick Young

January 5, 2009

Pam, Donnie, John, Nick, Meredith and Drew
I only had the pleasure of meeting Melissa a few times and with those few times-she left me with dear memories. Her sense of humor among others. Through Pam and Sharon, I was kept in the loop of Melissa's fight and I followed her blog. Now if anyone followed that blog-they learned many many things of Melissa. Her zest for life and especially the love of her family.
May God bless all and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything you need, please call.
Love

Sue Combs

January 5, 2009

Melissa was surely one of the most amazing people that ever walked this earth. She was here for all too short a time but lived life to the fullest, knew how to laugh and love and was greatly loved by all who knew her.
She lived a far greater life than many who live far longer. Her spirit will live on in those hwo loved her...and in her precious nephew Drew. I do hope her blog will be preserved, especially for him. What a gift Melissa was...
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with her family. May God bless each of you and give you comfort.
You have a spunky angel in Heaven now...and she is busy organizing a rugby team...and laughing. Free of pain, she is taking charge and teaching the other angels how to play tough and strong. No one was stronger, no one was more of an inspiration, no one had more grit and a sheer joy for life.

With love to you all,
Sue Groseclose Combs and Family

Shelly Hulce

January 4, 2009

I only met Melissa 2 weeks before Christmas and it was like we had been friends before.
Our conversations at Hospice of Dayton were always full of laughter. Her blog is a tremendous gift to everyone and her spirit shines bright with every sentence. (even when she had not such a good day.)
And Thank-you to all Melissa's friends and family also, for your heart warming display's of love and strength.

Patti Lawler

January 4, 2009

Pam & Donnie - While I only met Melissa twice in person (class reunions), I felt like I knew her from her blog entries. What a fight against a devastating disease. She was so strong, funny, loved her family & friends and so full of life. She is inspiration to all. You did an excellent job as parents. I am so sorry for your loss. May GOD Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Patti Bole-Lawler

Donna Woolum

January 4, 2009

To my sister Pam, The one who taught Melissa to be the person she turned out to be , wonderful,couragous,smart,funny,loving,giving.Pam I`am proud to say that Melissa was my niece,and that you are my sister!I can`t even tell you how sad I`am foryou losing your daughter! Pam please call me if you need to talk,cry scream anything,I will be there!I Love You Donna

George & Sharon Krebs

January 4, 2009

Don and Pam,

I am heartbroken to hear of your loss. While I did not know Melissa, I know her parents and therefore she was someone special.

Please know that Melissa and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jenny Slaughter(Akins)

January 4, 2009

Don and Pam.I was so lucky to have Melissa as a friend growing up, I could not have asked for better.I wish I had kept in better contact but I am blessed that we at least got a chance to see and talk to each other these last couple years.I will miss her deeply.

Melissa Bacon

January 4, 2009

Pam & Donnie - While I only met Melissa once in person, Karyn and Sharon have kept me 'in the loop' with her fight. I was often amazed by her humor and outlook on life while dealing with such a horrible disease. I will continue to keep her as an inspiration.....with deepest sympathy

Allison Lewis (Goad)

January 4, 2009

Fort could make anyone smile! Her smile was contagious! She will be missed! My heart goes out to the family!

Sheila & Bill Olson

January 4, 2009

Our heartfelt sympathy too the Fortener, and McLaughlin family! She will be missed by all. She was a inspiration!

Barbara Jacobs Mueller

January 4, 2009

I want to add my deepest sympathy to John, and both families. I am a Kelley cousin from Wapakoneta, Ohio originally, but have not had a chance to meet Melissa. She will be missed by many who have been touched by her life and love. With my thoughts and prayers.

Sue & Mike Mahaffey

January 4, 2009

Our deepest sympathy to all of Melissa's family and friends. I had just recently started reading her blogs. What a strong young woman she was and so blessed to have such a loving, wonderful family. Live for the memories she has given you. You all are in our prayers.

Matt and Jen Mahaffey

January 4, 2009

Our condolences to Melissa's extended family and freinds. I'd known Melissa for twenty years, and she is one of the strongest- most outgoing people I've ever known. She will never be forgotten. God Bless.

betty green

January 4, 2009

our sincere sympathy to melissa s family. she has become such a part of our daily lives as we have prayed for her over the past year,that she has made us appreciate all that life offers and to inspire us to make the most of the time we are here. melissa is truly amazing that she has inspired so many lives and will continue to inspire them forever.
we send our love and lots of hugs to her family at this very hard time.....betty and don green

Mindy (Culp) Nickles

January 4, 2009

Nick, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Patti Brua

January 4, 2009

The joy that Melissa gave you will be the wellspring from which you can draw her spirit. She will ALWAYS be with you and those memories will comfort you. You're in our hearts and in our prayers. Love to all of you!

Scott and Mary Graham

January 4, 2009

Our condolences to Donnie and all his family. Melissa must have been a wonderful daughter!

Sandy and Dusty Rhoades

January 4, 2009

Our sincere sympathy to Melissa's family. She fought long and hard and will serve as an inspiration to others for a long time to come. Her life was too short, but she lived it so well. You are all in our hearts and prayers. Love,

Erin Brodowski

January 4, 2009

Our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Melissa. You are in our prayers.

Patty Rich

January 4, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers go to Melissa's family. My husband and I do not know you personally, but have been praying for all of you the last couple of months. We will continue to pray for the family. What a privilege it was to get to know Melissa through other people. What a remarkable young woman who will be missed by many. God bless you.--Patty

kathy olander luthman

January 4, 2009

our hearts go out to you what a speical person melissa is she has touched so many lives with her inspirational outlook bless her i know she is an angel now and will always be with you just a thought away our sympathy and hugs kathy and norm

Emily (Heath) Triola

January 4, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about Melissa. My heart goes out to all of her family and friends during this difficult time.

Sue Bechtol

January 4, 2009

Fortener/Mclauglin Families - Although you do not know me, I felt the need to extend my deepest sympathy to you. As a fortunate breast cancer survivor, I and know first-hand some of the experiences Melissa went through. My heart goes out to patients and families who have had to endure this horrible disease. I, too, walked at the "Making Strides" in Dayton in October, and only wish I could have met your Melissa. After reading her web site, I could tell she was a very, very, special person.

Cherie Clark(Bucheit)

January 4, 2009

God Bless you & your family! You guys are in our thoughts & prayers

Shannon Miller

January 4, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends . Fort is one of the strongest people that I have ever known . She will be greatly missed.

Jan, and Greg Hager

January 4, 2009

Irv, and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,as always.

Linda Raterman

January 4, 2009

Melissa touched so many lives with her positive, "can do" attitude and fun-loving spirit. What a blessing she has been to all of us! Love and blessings to her family and friends. Find comfort in knowing she and little John Patrick are watching over you.
Rick and Linda Raterman

Bonnie Guess

January 3, 2009

My deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to you Pam, Donnie, Nick, Meredith & Drew. What a rough road, but what a special time for you all to bond. Her memory will be an inspiration to all.
What a beautiful spirit.

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