Melissa Rae Rodriguez, 77 of Derby, KS, entered eternal rest on May 10th, 2026 after a battle with cancer. She was born to Roland and Frances Christianson in Clintonville, WI.

Melissa earned her degree in education from Friends University in Wichita. She taught fourth grade in Douglas, KS before eventually running four successful businesses along side her husband Joe, the love of her life.

Joe and Melissa married on February 16th, 1974. They celebrated 52 years this year surrounded by family and friends. Joe affectionately referred to Melissa as his bride and she will be deeply missed.

Melissa was a very talented artist (painter), bowler, and avid golfer. She was a member of The Business Women's Golf League and Derby Women's Golf League. She dearly loved the friends that she made in these organizations.

She is preceded in death by her parents Roland and Frances Christianson, step-mother Clarabelle Christianson, her son Jeffery Rodriguez, step-brother Leo Foster and granddaughter Lacey Schild Firestine.

She is survived by her husband Joe Rodriguez, sister Jennifer (John) Cook, step-brothers Joseph Alan (Monica) Foster, Harold (Vanessa) Foster, step-sisters Ruby Releford, Nancy (David) Danler, half-brother David Christianson, daughter-in-law Paula Schild, grandchildren Blake (Deserae) Nelson, Kyrie (Andres) Hock, Shaneille Nelson and 15 great grandchildren.

The Rosary is Sunday May 17th, 2026 at 7:00 P.M., with the Funeral Mass on Monday May 18th, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. (luncheon to follow) both being held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 2300 E. Meadowlark RD. Derby, KS 67037

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: St. Mary's Catholic Church of Derby, KS (Building Fund)

Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas.