Melissa Ann Ross

Melissa Ann Ross was born to Joseph and Anna Noel on March 27th, 1948, in Commerce, Ok. She was one of nine children (four girls and five boys) and a proud member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. Growing up Melissa attended school at McKinley, Roosevelt and Miami High school before attending Chilocco Indian School and received her General Education Diploma in 2003. Throughout her working career, Melissa held many rich and different positions primarily in retail and production roles with several different companies. She began her career as a seamstress with Glenn Berry Sewing Factory, spent a majority of her career in retail operations with Dillard's, and ended her career as a production associate with the Bama Companies where she retired in 2007 due to a debilitating medical condition. Melissa was an energetic woman and loved to be on the go. When she was still physically able she loved to travel, and in later years she loved going shopping, eating at her favorite Mexican restaurant Ricardo's, and even simple trips to the dollar store. She absolutely loved spending time with her great-grandchildren who were her pride and joy. She enjoyed watching all their extra-curricular events, where she was a proud volleyball, baseball, and dance grandma supporter, always cheering them on. When not on the go exploring thrift shops, Goodwill, and flea markets, Melissa loved to work on jig saw & word search puzzles. She loved OU football and looked forward to watching & listening to the games and discussing the games with her brother Eddie. Melissa was even a good sport when she could not wear OU clothing and had to wear Orange when watching games at her daughter and son-in law's house where Crimson & Creme is not allowed. She absolutely loved her family and spending time with her great-grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. Melissa was proud of her Native American heritage and sang in the Native Praise Worship Team with her sister Hiawannah. She enjoyed taking Cherokee language classes as well as painting Native American ceramics. She was also known to donate her fair share of money to casinos, while bonding with her sister Audrey. Melissa also enjoyed a good burger with her brother James and enjoyed seeing his art work and hearing his stories. And thankful for a glorious reunion with her brother David in her final days. Melissa loved Jesus and was a member of First Baptist Church of Miami and often listened to Pastor Rhonda online. She was an avid prayer warrior, always praying over her family & listening to gospel music. Melissa was a spirited woman and throughout her life people often referred to her as a pistol or a firecracker. She was always playing jokes on her daughter and granddaughter, sharing her strongly held but seldom asked for opinions on their appearance, and telling them what was best for them. Her favorite phrase when it came to her daughter Angela, and granddaughter Melyssa was "What you need to do." She was also fond of the word "hmmph" if you questioned her opinion. Regardless of her firecracker personality and strong opinions she loved them deeply and was beyond proud of them. Melissa was preceded in death by her mother and father, two of her three sisters, Tommy Jo Noel and Hiawannah Cecil and three of her five brothers, Dean Noel, Charles Noel, and Eddie Noel. Melissa is survived by her remaining sister, Audrey Tanner of Glenpool, and two remaining brothers James Noel of Miami and David Noel of Miami. Her three children, Angela Neftzger (Todd) of Bartlesville, Ok, Tonna Dugan (Duane) of Vandalia, Illinois, and Doug Dryer of Las Vegas, Nevada. She also leaves behind four grandchildren- Melyssa Westerman (Logan) of Stillwater Ok, Micah Hamm (Brandon) of Decatur, Illinois, Hannah Dugan of Vandalia Illinois, and Talon Dryer of Tulsa, Ok as well seven great-grandchildren-Addison Westerman, Brynlea Westerman, Captain Westerman, Phoenix Westerman, Mila Hamm, Lincoln Hamm, and Yvie Dryer. A celebration of life will be held Saturday July 15th at Butler Church in Jay, Ok at 11:30 am, with graveside service to follow for the family at Butler cemetery where Melissa will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to Lisa Bain Ministries, 9447 E 77 th St., Tulsa, OK (lisabain.networkforgood.com) & Elder Care, 1223 Swan Dr, Bartlesville, OK 74006

Tributes

Melissa Ann Ross

March 27, 1948 - July 3, 2023