MUNCIE — Melissa Hayes, 58, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016, at I.U. Health Ball Memorial Hospital. She was born on April 2, 1958, in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of Dr. Theodore and Barbara (Keirns) Hayes. Melissa grew up in Fort Wayne and on Lake Gage, and graduated from South Side High School in 1976. She graduated from Ball State University in 1981. She worked at Ball Memorial Hospital for 35 years as a medical technologist in the blood bank and was trained in numerous specialties. She had frequent contact with patients on the oncology floor. In 2013, Melissa enrolled at Luther Theological Seminary and was pursuing a Master's of Divinity degree. She loved learning, with the possible exception of New Testament Greek. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church was Melissa's family's second home, where she taught Sunday school, organized vacation Bible school, served in the food pantry and on the church council. On her final Sunday, she preached and conducted the church services. She was a devoted mother and family came first with her. Her family enjoyed school events, Ball State volleyball, camping, traveling to see family and spending time at Lake Gage. She loved collecting family china and doted on her dog Trixie and numerous cats. Melissa's easy going manner drew people to her and she was generous with her time and resources. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her contagious laugh, gentle sense of humor and kind heart. She is survived by her children, Jane and Matthew Hayes; her father; her sister, Jane (Roger) Hormann; her brothers, Ted (Karen) Hayes and Matt (Becky) Hayes, along with six nieces and nephews, two great-nephews, four aunts and seven cousins. She was preceded in death by her mother and grandparents. Visitation will be on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, from 4-8 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 900 W. White River Blvd. in Muncie. Funeral service will also be at Holy Trinity on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Foundation for seminarian support, 900 W. White River Blvd., Muncie, IN 47303. Meeks Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.