Melisa Tirrell was many things to many people: a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, business owner, adventurer, friend, comedian, rock-and-roll enthusiast, and the person who could somehow make a complete stranger feel like family before the day was over.

Melisa passed away on September 27, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, love, and probably a few stories that are better not repeated in an obituary.

For over 43 years, Melisa shared her life and countless adventures with her husband, Kyle Tirrell, whom she married on March 19, 1983. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, travel, and traditions that brought people together. Their adventures took them around the world, including unforgettable trips to Australia and Singapore, as well as cruises through Alaska and the Caribbean. Melisa loved seeing the world, but what she loved most was experiencing it with the people she loved.

She was the proud mother of two daughters, Lisa Wagner, married to Jeremiah Wagner, and Kelly Gaebel, partner Dan Stouffer. Her greatest joy, however, may have been becoming a grandmother to Zoie, Lucas, Zachary, and Benjamin.

And if there was one thing those grandchildren knew, it was this: Grandma Melisa did not believe in the concept of “spoiling them too much.” She believed in spoiling them thoroughly, enthusiastically, and without apology. She loved her grandchildren fiercely and made sure they always knew they were special, loved, and probably getting away with something.

Her family extended far beyond her children and grandchildren. Melisa is also survived by her beloved sister, Donna Outlaw, and Donna’s husband, Danny Outlaw, along with their children, Dustin, David, Leann, and DJ. Her nephew Chris Outlaw preceded her in death. Family was incredibly important to Melisa, and her love for them was never limited by distance or circumstance. Family was family, and Melisa had a way of making sure everyone knew they belonged.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Norma Manry Smith Underwood, her stepfather, Gordon Underwood, her father, Bobby Smith, and her nephew, Chris Outlaw.

Melisa owned and operated a beauty salon in Palm Harbor, where she did more than hair. She created connections, friendships, and a place where people could feel comfortable being themselves. She had a gift for making people laugh and feel welcome.

She also had a soundtrack for her life—and it was loud. Melisa loved her hair bands, especially KISS and Def Leppard, along with Prince. Her music, her sense of humor, and her fearless personality were unmistakably hers. She was adventurous, funny, kind, and never afraid to live life on her own terms.

One of the greatest examples of Melisa and Kyle’s generous spirit was their annual Bunny Bash, a huge Easter celebration they hosted every year. What started as a family tradition became something much bigger. Friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and even complete strangers were welcomed with open arms. At Bunny Bash, there were no outsiders. Somehow, everyone became family—and that was Melisa’s gift.

She had a way of making life feel like a celebration. She could turn an ordinary day into a story, a gathering into a party, and a stranger into a friend. She gave her love freely, laughed loudly, and left an impression everywhere she went.

Melisa leaves behind her husband, daughters, grandchildren, sister and extended family, along with countless friends who were lucky enough to call her family. She will be missed more than words can say, but those who knew her will carry her with them in every laugh, every adventure, every family gathering, every song turned up too loud, and every moment when someone needs to be reminded that life is meant to be lived.

Her daughters, grandchildren, husband, family, and countless friends were incredibly lucky to have her.

And knowing Melisa, she would probably tell us to stop crying, fix our hair, turn up the Def Leppard, and go have some fun.

She was deeply loved. She will be forever missed. And she will never, ever be forgotten.