Melissa A. Mitchell, age 41, of Aldrich, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2022, in Oklahoma due to a semi-truck accident. Melissa was born on September 19, 1980, to Randy Sr. and Mary Long in Springfield, Missouri. Melissa was a 1999 graduate of Bolivar High School. Melissa married Allen Mitchell on March 23, 2002, at Bolivar Assembly of God.

Melissa was proud of getting her CDL and becoming a truck driver. She loved to drive and see the countryside. Before becoming a truck driver, she spent several years working in Bolivar area businesses, including Taco Bell for 17 years.  Melissa had a smile and laugh that was contagious and people were instantly drawn to her. She always somehow found time to play pranks on people.  Melissa’s love was riding horses and meeting new and old friends along the trails. If she wasn’t on the road, you could always find her somewhere with her horse.  She loved her family dearly. Melissa truly lived for her children.  They were her everything. She enjoyed watching her kids in different adventures and shared in the joy of their accomplishments.

Melissa is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Merlin and Ruth Long; maternal grandparents, James and Wilma Russell; and uncles: Johnny Russell and Terry “Red” Long.

She is survived by her husband of 20 years, Allen Mitchell, of the home; her children: Waylon Mitchell, Wyatt Mitchell, and Kaci Mitchell; her parents Randy Sr. and Mary (Russell) Long; her brother, Randy Long Jr., and wife Kendra; Michael (Mikey) Durbin, who she raised as her own; and a host of many other family, friends, and fellow horse lovers.

She will be terribly missed by her family, friends, and anyone who ever crossed her trails.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Mitchell Campground, or a charity of your choice, in Melissa’s name. Melissa was a long-time supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and The Shriner’s Hospital.

A visitation will be held at Pitts Chapel on Friday, August 5 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. A funeral service for Melissa will be on Saturday, August 6 at 10:00 am in the Chapel, with burial to follow at Mitchell Campground Cemetery, Aldrich, MO.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pitts Chapel Bolivar, MO.