Melissa was welcomed into heaven from Hershey Medical Center on Sunday, May 21, after a short illness. She is survived by her Dad and Mom: Craig and Marilyn Bathurst of Lititz, PA and her sister, Christie Bathurst of Jonestown, PA, who is engaged to Dean Bossler, looking forward to a wedding in September. Also surviving Melissa are her paternal Grandfather, Harry Bathurst; Uncle Steve and Aunt Fanny Bathurst of Willoughby Hills, Ohio; her Aunt Keelyann of Willoughy, Ohio; her step Uncle and step Aunt, John and Beverly Tripp of Little Elm, Texas and their six adult children.

Melissa will always be remembered for her sweet, beaming, contagious smile.

Melissa loved music and participated enthusiastically in music therapy, surprising us with her responsiveness to the therapists. Just a few years ago she was able to wheel herself to the piano to play some keys at random. She was able to turn the pages in a book that was being read to her. Her favorite pastime was playing with balloons. One of those beaming smiles was sure to erupt as she drew the balloon closer to her face!

She will certainly be missed by her family and friends, but we're confident that she is enjoying the music of heaven right now, where she is in the presence of our LORD Jesus Christ, along with her maternal grandparents: Leonard and Kay Fries, who served for many years as missionaries in the Philippines and her paternal grandmother, Dorothy Bathurst.

We look forward to seeing Melissa one day in Glory, when the LORD shall see fit to take us there as well to be with Him for eternity. John 3:16, II Corinthians 5:8.

Memorial Service of Melissa will be held Saturday, June 3, 2023, 12:30PM, at Lancaster Independent Baptist Church, 33 E. Center St., Lititz, PA 17543. Parking is limited. Please park on South Ceder St. near the church. Visitation will be at the church from 11:30AM – 12:30pm.

The service will be live on the Church's YouTube Channel. Lancaster Independent Baptist Church Please look for the LIVE icon and click on it.

In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Gift of Life in Melissa's Honor. Donors1.org

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Central PA Cremation Society, Inc.