Melanie Boelter

Melanie Ghent Boelter, 32, departed this life unexpectedly Wednesday, July 29, at Missouri Baptist Hospital.

She is the beloved daughter of Nancee Magilson and Mark Antieau of Alton, and Robert and Carol Boelter of Nashville, Tenn., and the cherished sister of Nick Boelter of Alton.

Melanie was born March 30, 1983, in Englewood, Colorado. She was a proud 2005 graduate of the University of Georgia, with a major in political science, and was nearing completion of her MBA at SIUE. She spent a much-treasured semester at Oxford University in England in 2003. She worked as a senior process auditor in the international division of Reinsurance Group of America in Chesterfield, MO, and as an occasional waitress at the Old Bakery Beer Co.

Melanie was in every sense her own person: quirky and eclectic, curious, artistic, smart, infectious and fun. She was a game-winning addition to our trivia team. Most of all, she was a compassionate human being, a fierce friend, and a devoted daughter and sister. Her final act of generosity was to give the hope of life and healing to others through organ and tissue donation. The emptiness her loss leaves will be filled by the memories of her joyous time on this earth.

She will be deeply missed by her "sister-in-law" Megan Feeley, her dear niece Addisyn Boelter, her maternal grandmother Elsie Magilson Siemer, and her dog siblings Dagwood and Tweetee. She also leaves special aunt and uncle Kathy and Pat ("H") Hedger, and cousins Joey, Jacy and Doug, of Fairview Heights; and Pat and Linda Magilson of Peoria, along with cousin Elizabeth. Other survivors are her paternal grandmother Tina Boelter, uncles, an aunt and cousins.

She was blessed with a wide circle of friends, but particular mention goes to Dan Iadevito, Karen Lipka, Karen Kraul, Liz Lake, and Jared Oldham - all of whom played a significant role in her life.

A private family gathering will be held post-cremation at Gent Funeral Home Wednesday, August 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. A celebration of her life will be given on Saturday, August 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. - or as long as we need - at the Old Bakery Beer Co. at 400 Landmarks Blvd. in Alton.

Tributes in her memory may be made to the Missouri Botanical Garden or St. Louis Public Radio, both of which she supported. Online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.