Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Melissa D. Holt, passed away on December 22, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 71. Born on Halloween of 1954 in New York, Melissa lived with a spark that stayed with her all her life.

Melissa made her home in Wichita for many years before relocating to Shinnston, West Virginia, in 2005. No matter where she lived, she created a place filled with laughter, loud music, and open doors. She never met a stranger if you spent five minutes with her, you had a story, a hug, and probably a new friend.

She loved the open road on her Harley-Davidson, the thrill of barrel racing when she was younger, and even drag racing always chasing a little adventure. Some of her happiest moments were spent watching her granddaughter cheer, cheering just as loudly from the stands, and being surrounded by her family. Melissa loved music, especially Miranda Lambert, and traveled across the country for concerts, collecting memories along the way. She had an incredible soft spot for animals, especially her dogs, who were always close by. Melissa's heart was big, genuine, and fierce. She loved deeply, protected fiercely, and showed up for her people every time.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and John Czarneski; her sister, Pamela Czarneski; her son, Nicholas Holt; and her great-granddaughter, Francesa Holt.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Mark Holt; her sons, Justin Kick (Tara), Jeramie Lamm, and Morgan Holt (Leah); her daughters, Keila Holt (Billy Wyatt) and Ashlie Holt-Brockleman (Matt); and her twelve grandchildren: Nicholas Brookhouser, Nathaniel Holt, Kerston Sipes, Zoey Brockleman, Eli Sipes, Jayden Holt, Makenzie Brockeman, Rachel Kick, Ellie Brockleman, Henry Miller, Rhett Miller, and Savannah Holt.
Melissa leaves behind a legacy of strength, humor, stubbornness, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed, but she will live on in the stories we tell, the music we play, and the way we love one another.