Melissa Michelle Marie Marsh

Melissa Michelle Marie Marsh, 31, of Issaquah, WA, died January 1, 2014, from complications of diabetes at her home.

Melissa was born in October of 1982, and was a lifelong resident of the greater Seattle area. She graduated from John F. Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien, WA, and attended Seattle Central Community College.  She worked for La Residence Suite Hotel in Bellevue, WA.

Melissa loved her young family. Making a home was very important for her. She worked part-time so she could see her son “lil” Rashad off to school, pick him up and ensure he did his homework. She volunteered at Clark Elementary School, where Rashad attends second grade. Melissa was always trying new recipes for the family dinner – eagerly looking to see signs of approval if the meal was liked, “or there would be a TV dinner waiting for you tomorrow.”

“Big” Rashad, Melissa’s life-partner, officially met her for the first time at the Seafair Torchlight Parade in 2001. Rashad was thrilled that Melissa took an interest in football and basketball, often knowing more about the rules of the games than her male friends.

After many years together, Melissa and Rashad recently felt that the time was right for the two of them to get married. The marriage proposal was imminent but Rashad was eager to contact Melissa’s brothers in the New Year for their approvals before asking the big question.

Melissa is survived by her son, Rashad Daniel Maurice Bell, and her life-partner Rashad Bell, both from Issaquah; mother Marsha Marsh, of Issaquah; brothers Alfonso Marsh III of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and Cory Marsh of Phoenix; a brother-in-law Joris van Leeuwen, in Rotterdam, The Netherlands; a sister-in-law Misty Marsh in Phoenix; nephews Cory and Mekhii; nieces Aujanii, Angeliina; great-nephew Izayah, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Melissa is also survived by members of Rashad’s family, including his father and stepmother, Harvey and Beverly Bell; his mother Debbie Davis; his sister Brahma Davis; and brother Matthew Graham.

She is preceded in death by her father, Alfonso Marsh II; her grandparents Rocelious and Leora Givens, Alfonso and Wilma Marsh; step-grandmother Betty Marsh; and uncle Michael Marsh.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 11 at 3:00 p.m. at East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue WA. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up for Melissa’s family, at www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/melissa-marsh-memorial-fund/122626.

The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support.