Obituary of Melissa Jene' Smith Roether

Melissa Jene' Smith Roether passed surrounded by family at TMC Peppi's Hospice on October 28, 2023.  Born Melissa Jene' Smith on September 29, 1975 in Howell, Michigan to Mary Jo and Michael James Smith, she would relocate to Tucson with her mother and brother in 1981, where she would spend the rest of her life.  Melissa attended Palo Verde High School and spent her life working in the retail industry.  It was during her career that she met the love of her life, Jeffrey Roether, and they were married in 2001.  Melissa and Jeff were blessed with three children, whom they cherished deply:  Ocean, Eden, and Noah. They found joy in traveling with Jeff's family and attending various family functions together. 

Melissa had a passion for flowers, enjoyed watching romantic comedies, had a keen sense of fashion and cherished family events and travel.  However, her primary love was always her children.  She took immense pride in their accomplishments, whether it was in the realm of art, school performances or Ocean's post-high school explorations.  It was a rare sight to see her without her children by her side.  She also dabbled in photography and played the role of the family's photo historian.  In fact, a majority of the pictures shown at the service were taken by her.  

Melissa was surrounded by a close-knit group of friends, led by her lifelong friend, Nadja Ramirez.  With the start of football season, her spirtis lifted as she looked forward to watching the Patriots, but she would follow any team Tom Brady was on.  She often spoke about her aspiration to return to school and pursue a degree in architcture or interior design.  She loved decorating her home to create a safe and welcoming environment. 

Melissa is preceded in death by her husband, Jeff Roether, her father, Mike Smith, and her maternal and paternal grandparents, along with several cousins, aunts, and uncles.  

She is survived by her beloved children, Ocean, Eden, and Noah Roether, her mother, Mary Jo Smith, her brother, Marlon Smith, and her mother and father-in-law, Mike and JoAnn Roether, as well as numerous in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family. 

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Tony and Kari Roether for providing a loving home for Eden and Noah and for their invaluable assistance in coordinating the services.