Mekelle Melaine Kohout, nee Pursell, born October 7, 1972, passed away peacefully in her sleep early Monday, April 15, 2024, at the age of 51. She was a graduate of Marshfield High School in 1991 and attended Southwest Baptist University for three years, majoring in English. Throughout school, she was an avid flautist. She played first chair with her orchestral group and received several awards including state championship awards. Mekelle was a member of Grace Independent Bible Baptist Church.  She was married April 15th, 1995, in Bolivar, and was a caring homemaker for 29 years. Mekelle’s talents were many. She was an extremely accomplished gardener, converting her large yard from a bare plot to a beautiful, lush flowering oasis. She took great joy in testing all kinds of different baked goods to give to others, tailoring them to what she felt a person would enjoy most, and sometimes shipping them across the country.

Her love of music followed her throughout her life, where jazz and classical music would fill her home. She also frequently enjoyed classic rock. She took great joy rescuing and caring for cats in her neighborhood and watching every NASCAR race. Preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents, her infant sister, three aunts, twin cousins, and her dear, close cousin Teri. She is survived by her parents Jerry and Joan Pursell; her daughter Natalie Robinson, husband Jeffrey, and granddaughter Cookie; her stepdaughter Luci Richardson and husband Sam, and their children Trip, Alaska, and Oaklynn; sister Dyan Pursell Heidbrink and husband Scot; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Celebration of Life services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Grace Independent Bible Baptist Church. Flowers may be sent for the Celebration of Life. The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help and care given by Seasons Hospice. If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to the Humane Society of Springfield, MO.