Obituary: Arnold, Melissa Marie

Melissa Marie Arnold, 41, of Marietta, OH, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2024, in her home surrounded by so much love after her brave 3.5-year battle with neuroendocrine cancer.

Throughout her fight, she was nothing short of remarkable, showing the world her strength, positivity, faith, and determination to never give up; she has been an inspiration to so many people. There is no way to fully encompass her whole personality, her kindness, her drive to jump in and help people when they needed a helping hand the most, her positive outlook, or the love and pride that she showed immensely for her kids in these few words, but to know her is to know all these remarkable things and so many more.

Missy was born on August 10, 1982. She graduated from Marietta High School with the class of 2001. Ben and Missy’s love story began in December of 2000 when she was a senior in high school, and he was living on the West Coast while in the Marine Corps. Together, they built a beautiful life with their three children, two dogs, two cats, and so many close friends and family.

She is survived by her loving husband of 17 years, Ben and incredible kids, Jocelyn (16), Braylen (14), and Lilly (12); Father, Timothy Miller of Marietta; Mother, Susan Miller of Holiday, Florida; brother, Benjamin (Alisha) Miller (Wyatt, Eden, and Bryce) of Marietta; Father-in-law David Arnold of Marietta; Sister-in-law Megan (Matt) Miller (Myla, Nolan, and Emmitt) of Marietta; and Brother-in-law Scott Arnold of Marietta.

She was preceded in death by her Mother-in-law Sherry Arnold and Brother-in-law Nick Arnold, both of Marietta.

Missy loved everything about downtown Marietta and was a familiar face to so many because of her presence in the small local businesses. Missy held various jobs over the years, most notably was her role in retail for many years at American Flags and Poles. Due to her vast service to the community, she had the tremendous honor of being awarded The Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce Betty L. Hadler Zonta Woman of The Year in March 2020.

Some of Missy’s many loves included shopping downtown or grabbing a drink at the local coffee shop with her kids or friends, watching birds from her bedroom window, especially the cardinals, loving on babies and kids (her van was regularly filled to the roof with kids), thrifting or yard sale hopping with her girls and friends, or rooting her kids on at all of their many sporting events. Missy also had a love for her mommy group, MOPS, and made many lasting bonds with other women throughout the years. She positively impacted many mothers with her words of wisdom and advice.

Missy and her family would like to express immense gratitude to every person, family, and business who helped in any way over the last few years and to her many medical practitioners for their expertise and compassion: Dr. Kelli Cawley, Dr. Lowell Anthony, NET specialist from the University of Kentucky, and her hospice nurse Danielle Lipscomb. A special thanks to Chris Cavalier for providing the family with weekly meals over the past 3.5 years.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate, reminisce, and honor Missy in a Celebration of Life (viewing) at First Baptist Church in Williamstown, WV on 3/11/24 from 4-8 p.m. and 3/12/24 from 10-11 a.m. The funeral service will start at 11 a.m. for family and friends.

Missy’s family is hoping to embody some of her uplifting, positive personality over the next few days and is asking visitors of the Celebration of Life and funeral to come with happy hearts and wearing bright, joyful colors for gatherings (please avoid wearing black). Children are encouraged to attend gatherings.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to MOPS of First Baptist Church Williamstown or the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley in Melissa’s name. She would encourage us all to donate or volunteer our time to organizations that impact our community.

Donations are also being taken for the family by the First Baptist Church of Williamstown.