Mellisa Jane Tindle, maiden name Hilburn, age 59, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on February 14, 2026.

Born on September 17, 1966, in Springfield, MO, Mellisa was the youngest of thirteen children born to James “Jim” and Pearl (Gibson) Hilburn. Growing up in a house full of pranksters, she learned early how to stand her ground. That spark stayed with her all her life. She was spirited, protective, and never one to tolerate nonsense from anyone. If you knew her, you knew she meant what she said and said what she meant.

On November 22, 1999, she married the love of her life, James “Carl” Tindle. Together they built a life rooted in loyalty, laughter, and spent her last summers in their small community garden, sharing their harvest with neighbors became one of their quiet joys.

Mellisa loved her family fiercely. She treasured visits filled with storytelling, laughter, and reminiscing about the old days. Her greatest pride and brightest light were her children and grandsons. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for them. Cayden “Caydabug,” Cohen, Calum, and little James “Jay Bird” each held a special piece of her heart.

She found happiness in the simple comforts of life: country music, especially her longtime celebrity crush, Tim McGraw; evenings spent watching the Tyler Perry series; and a cold Mtn Dew or Dr. Pepper always within reach. She was famously and unapologetically terrified of snakes, a fact her family will forever remember with both sympathy and laughter, but mainly laughter.

Mellisa was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Pearl Hilburn, and her siblings Deloris, Billy Joe, Donna, Connie, Eddie, Bobby, Rod, Dennis, and Ernie; and her beloved dogs, Lucy and Desi.

She is survived by her devoted husband, James “Carl” Tindle; her daughters Sharon (Casteel) and husband Scott Mahaffey, and Rhonda Casteel; her son James Wilcox and fiancée Jaina; her beloved grandsons Cayden Beckett, Cohen Mahaffey, Calum Mahaffey, and James Tindle; her sister Karen Alden and husband Larry; her brothers David Hilburn and wife Debbie, and Larry Hilburn and wife Liz; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her deeply.

Mellisa leaves behind a legacy of strength, sharp wit, stubborn love, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her voice, her laughter, and her fierce protection will echo in the stories her family continues to tell for generations to come.

A graveside service will be held at Bellview Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri, at 12pm on Monday, February 23rd, 2026.