We lost our beloved Melissa on June 27,

2010, in a tragic accident. She died with three friends during one of her many adventures on a beautiful, summer day in Western Montana. Melissa was born on March 21,1987, in Rochester, Minn., the first child of Dan and Kathy Weaver. She moved with her parents to Arizona and New Jersey before settling with her family in Billings in July of 1992. She attended Poly Drive Elementary School, Lewis and Clark Middle School and Billings Senior High School, graduating with honors in 2005. During her high school years, Melissa competed on the varsity tennis team, performed as a majorette and played violin in the school orchestra. Melissa loved to sing and was a part of the youth choir at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church for many years. Melissa graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts in print journalism from the School of Journalism and a second major in psychology from the University of Montana in May 2009. Melissa was a University Scholar with distinction through the Davidson Honors College. In December 2009, she began work as a reporter journalist for the Daily Inter Lake in Kalispell. Melissa was a truly beautiful young lady with a wonderful sense of humor. Her smile would light up the room and was both contagious and comforting. She was an incredible daughter, sister, grandaughter and friend who touched the lives of all who knew her. Her wit was quick and she had a wonderful spirit: Melissa always said yes to life. She was an intelligent and energetic young woman who loved to ski, travel, write and explore the great outdoors. Melissa always gave 110 percent to everything that she did. Her dad taught her that desire and passion are the keys to success in both achievement and life. Melissa personified these ideals. She was never afraid to try new things and was always ready for another exciting adventure. She shared her mother s love of cooking and her kitchen was always stocked with delicious, freshly baked goods. Melissa was a very thoughtful, kind and caring young lady who always took exceptional care of everyone she knew, especially her family. She was a true joy in our lives and was an inspiration to us all. We will never forget her, will always love and miss her, and feel blessed to have known her for 23 years. As usual, Mellie, you are bravely leading the way. Melissa is survived by her loving parents, Dan and Kathy; sisters, Sarah and Emily; brother, Joseph; uncle and godfather, David, and Traci Weaver; uncle, Ben Weaver; aunt and godmother, Lisa Weaver; aunt, Terry Higgins; aunt, Carol, and Stevan Nelson; grandpapa, Walt, and Joann Weaver; grandmother, Jane Weaver; grandmother, Joan Bell; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandfather, Carl Bell. The Weaver family would like to extend sincere appreciation to law enforcement in Flathead, Sanders, and Lake counties for their efforts and compassion involved in this difficult search and rescue effort. Special thanks also to the Blaine family and countless friends and neighbors who have gone far beyond the call of duty in supporting us during this difficult time. The outpouring of thoughts and prayers for Melissa and our family have made this more bearable for us. We love you all! Viewing will occur from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, at Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings. Vigil service and rosary are planned for 7 p.m. Friday, July 9, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 10, also at St. Thomas, with graveside committal and interment at Holy Cross Cemetery immediately to follow. Memorials can be made to either the scholarship fund established in Melissa s name at the University of Montana or Catholic Relief Services.