Melissa Ann Coleman, 43, of Sedalia, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2014, near Hughesville, as a result of an auto accident.

She was born September 20, 1970, in Hutchinson, KS, daughter of Jimmie Don and Janie Darine Dean Cox. On June 3, 2000, in Sedalia, she married Eldon Floyd Coleman, who also died in the accident.

Melissa was a bus driver for First Student. She had previously owned Chocolate Daydreams. She enjoyed competing in pageants and had been crowned Mrs. Pettis County and Mrs. Congeniality for the Mrs. Missouri pageant. She was currently pursuing education for police work.

Surviving are two children, Ashley Lightner, of Sedalia, and Kasey Anstine (Dakota), of Sedalia; four grandchildren, Landen, Mila, Hunter and Olyvia; her parents, Jimmie and Janie Cox, of Hutchinson, KS; a sister, Jamie Heneha, of Burrton, KS; and her grandparents, Alice Weimaster and Una Dean, both of Hutchinson, KS.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Floyd Dean.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Heckart Funeral Home, with the Pastor Kevin Anstine officiating.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Heckart Funeral Home.

Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Fairlawn Cemetery in Hutchinson, KS.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pettis County Early Childhood Co-op.

Condolences may be offered at www.heckartfuneralhome.com.

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