Melissa Marie White

We celebrate the life of Melissa Marie White, a woman of loving heart, resilient spirit, creative mind, and unwavering loyalty, who passed away on March 3rd, 2026. Born in Aurora, Illinois, on August 17th, 1979, Melissa's journey took her from San Diego, CA, to Seattle, WA, and all the way to Seoul, South Korea, before she made her home with her sweet family. Her life was a vivid tapestry woven with threads of love, service, creativity, and enduring friendships.

Melissa was a woman of many passions. From her dogs, cats, and chickens to cooking, photography, and creating captivating Tik Tok videos, she found joy in every facet of life. Her love for the beaches of Hawaii was only matched by her love for Dutch Bros Coffee. Yet, at the heart of all her passions were the relationships she nurtured. She was a dedicated caregiver, a nurturing teacher, and a loving mom to her two boys. As the writer Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Melissa will always be remembered for the love she shared and the lives she touched.

She is survived by her spouse, Keri White, her two sons, Joshua and Caleb Kolbo, her parents, Jay and Donna Hostetler, her brother, Todd and sister-in-law Jennifer Hostetler, nephews Braden and Carter Hostetler and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Each of them carries a piece of Melissa's spirit and her love. She lives on in the countless lives she touched, in the memories she created, and in the love she shared. Her desire to donate organs has been fulfilled as three recipients have received life gifts from Melissa.

As we bid farewell to Melissa, we invite you to share your memories, stories, and photos of her on the memorial page. It is through these shared memories that Melissa's love, creativity, and resilience will continue to inspire and comfort us all.