Melissa Denton

With a heart full of love and fond memories, we celebrate the life of the unforgettable Melissa Marie Denton, known lovingly by her friends and family as Missy. Born on May 24, 1969, in Albuquerque, NM, Melissa's spirit was imbued with the vibrant colors and enchanting landscapes of the Southwest. The lessons imparted by her upbringing in Albuquerque, New Mexico, stayed with her throughout her life, even after she made Pleasant Hope, Missouri her home.

Melissa was a magnetic force of nature, radiating warmth and love wherever she went. She was smart and charismatic, able to make friends effortlessly. Her compassionate heart led her to perform random acts of kindness for others, touching countless lives and leaving a lasting impact. Her love for crafting, reading, exploring, and learning new languages was matched only by her love for her pups and her kids, who were her world.

Melissa's light continues to shine through her loved ones who survive her: her children, Samantha Sherman, Zachary Stump, and Gabriella Herrera; her father, Millard Stump; her brothers, Brett and Tim Stump; her stepmother, Eday Stump; her half-sisters, Kayla Churchill and Arlin Estes; her aunts, Paula Whisenhunt, Darilyn Martinez, and Susan Allison; her uncles, Paul Winsor, Art Winsor, and Olin Stump; her son-in-law, Jesse Sherman; her granddaughter, Adelyn Pierson; her nephews, Caleb Stump and Jamison Estes; her nieces, Katie Stump, Megan Godinez, Janessa Chalmers, and Lauren Churchill; and her brothers-in-law, Jose Romero, Kris Churchill, and Justin Estes. Melissa was preceded in death by her mother, Colleen Stump; her ex-husband, Robb Denton; and her aunt and uncle, Sharon Middleton and Guy Winsor.

As we remember the loving and compassionate soul of Melissa, we find solace in the words from the Book of Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Melissa's light shined brightly in her lifetime and continues to do so through the love and kindness she shared with us.

We invite you to honor Melissa's life by sharing your cherished memories and photographs on her memorial page. This digital space allows us to collectively celebrate the love, laughter, and joy that Melissa brought into our lives.