Mrs. Melissa Ann Blankenship Hamm of Lansing died on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at Ashe Memorial Hospital. She was 37.

Mrs. Hamm was born on Nov. 24, 1976, in Pike County, Kentucky. She grew up in West Virginia, later moving to Siler City.

Mrs. Hamm was preceded in death by her father, Troy Thomas Blankenship.

Mrs. Hamm worked at Jefferson Apparel, Vannoy Construction and as a CNA with home health care. She was a member of Big Springs Baptist Church. Melissa was a devoted wife and mother. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was always positive, hopeful and loving during her eight-year battle with cancer.

Mrs. Hamm is survived by her husband, Anthony "Tony" Alan Hamm; two daughters, Gabrielle Mari Hamm and Vanessa Lea Hamm, both of the home; her mother and stepfather, Melda Luzell and Jeffery Glen Fraley of Ashe County; two brothers, David Thomas Kennedy of Siler City and Samuel Joseph Blankenship of Ashe County; one sister, Christy Lea Adams of North Wilkesboro; two half brothers, Troy Thomas Blankenship and Dylan Nathaniel Blankenship, both of Siler City; one half-sister, Rachel Dawn Blankenship of Siler City; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, 2014, at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. J.B. Hamm, Rev. Russell Sheets, and Rev. Tim Hamm. Burial will follow in the Davis & Ham Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2014, at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel or friends may also visit at the home on Thursday, May 8, 2014 from 4-7 p.m.

Flowers will be appreciated, or memorials may be made to Medi Home Hospice, PO Box 421, Jefferson, NC 28640.

Words of comfort and remembrance may be viewed or sent to the family through our website at www.ashelawn.com.

Ashelawn Memorial Chapel & Gardens was entrusted with Mrs. Hamm's arrangements.