Melissa Vera Teller of Flagstaff, beloved daughter, sister, and granddaughter passed away on Tuesday March 25th. She was born in Holbrook on May 15, 1981.

Melissa brought laughter and light to everyone that she met. She had the biggest smile and the biggest heart. She cared about other people, animals, and the earth. She constantly put the needs of others ahead of her own needs. She volunteered many hours, especially enjoying her time at the Flagstaff Family Food Center. She loved to go to the Second Chance Animal Shelter just to play with the dogs and cats. She was met with many challenges in her short life and she somehow carried on with determination to be as independent as possible. She wanted to do so many things at once that it was often impossible for her to get to everything. She will be dearly missed by so many people who shared her laughter and life with her. Melissa truly was a special person who touched the hearts of all around her. She loved to help anyone who she felt needed a hand, she loved food, and she loved to be around people. Her saddest times were when she was at home by herself. She made crafts and spent many hours on her computer. Melissa graduated from Flagstaff High School in 2000 and had been working for the Hozhoni Foundation for the last several years.

She is survived by her parents Kate and Larry Teller, her sister Rachel Teller, her grandparents Howard and Susan Teller from Payson and Ingrid and Stan Winderbaum from Beverly Hills Florida, and many aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews across the U.S.

Her service will be at Norvel Owens Mortuary on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Melissa's name to either the Flagstaff Family Food Center or to the Second Chance Animal Shelter.