Mel married into the Peoples’ family when I was a teenager. She and my mom were extremely close friends for several years before that. I have lots of memories from those times. Them decorating their apartment and Sarah as a little girl. My favorite memory was from around the time when I got engaged. I think Mel and Uncle Darral had been married for less than a year when I announced my engagement. I was young, about to turn 18, and she had some concerns and lots of advice for me. She made me come over to their place one night and take a quiz on marriage. Teacher that she was, she told me which answers I got wrong. We sat and talked for a long time that night. Thanks, Mel, for the wonderful life you made for Uncle Darral and your kids. You not only influenced those you taught, but those of us in your family as well.

Message from Brittany Jane Lucas

April 17, 2016 3:46 PM

I know that public speaking used to make you really nervous, just like me, and that you wanted to help me get better at it so that I would be more comfortable. I will always think of you sitting right there whenever I give a presentation and I will make each one my best. Thank you, Mrs. Peoples, for being an amazing and inspiring teacher.

A candle was lit by Brittany Jane Lucas on April 17, 2016 3:43 PM

Message from Sarah Hemmerich

April 17, 2016 3:33 PM

Many prayers as you grieve the loss of your beautiful mother. She was such a blessing to so many. To me Melanie was a colleague, mentor and friend. I have always looked up to her and admired the way she showed such compassion and patience with our students. When traveling in Ireland, England and Scotland with her, she took several pictures for me. Her kindness and passion for teaching will never be forgotten. I will not be able to join you for her services but please know, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Much love!

A candle was lit by Sarah Hemmerich on April 17, 2016 3:22 PM

Message from Scott Mathias

April 17, 2016 7:49 AM

I really enjoyed working with Melanie in the IB program at Kokomo High School. Melanie was an outstanding teacher who cared deeply for her students and always had their best interests at heart. Most days she worked through her lunch helping students with assignments, and she frequently came in early or stayed late to tutor students that needed help. As a fellow teacher, Melanie was a leader who another teacher could go to for constructive advice, encouragement, or to bounce ideas off of. Most importantly, Melanie was a positive, warm, caring and fun-loving person who was a pleasure to be around. The way she did her job, carried herself, and lived her life were truly inspirational. Though I will miss Melanie a lot, I feel blessed to have known her and to count her as a friend.

Message from Jeanine Smith

April 17, 2016 7:17 AM

It was my privilege to work with Melanie at Maple Crest the last ten years of my teaching/counseling career. She was a marvelous teacher, an encourager to the students and staff, and a dear friend. The family will remain in my prayers in upcoming months as they cope with all the spin off from this most challenging past few months.

A candle was lit by Rudy and Kim Dionne and family on April 16, 2016 9:34 PM

A candle was lit by Jessica Toliver on April 16, 2016 3:38 PM

Expression of Sympathy

An AZALEA PLANT was ordered on April 16, 2016

A candle was lit by Greg, Susie, John, Michael and Cody Clark on April 16, 2016 1:13 PM

A candle was lit by Townsend Family on April 16, 2016 12:32 PM

A candle was lit by Linda Zehner on April 16, 2016 9:24 AM

A candle was lit by Chloe Perez on April 15, 2016 8:49 PM

A candle was lit by Beverly Peoples Wright on April 14, 2016 10:38 AM

A candle was lit by Janet Burkhalter on April 12, 2016 1:57 PM

A candle was lit by Debbie Vawter on April 12, 2016 9:46 AM

A candle was lit by Nicki Mundy on April 11, 2016 4:50 PM

A candle was lit by Lacey Jones on April 11, 2016 2:06 PM

A candle was lit by Vicki Boles on April 11, 2016 2:04 PM

Message from Vicki Boles

April 11, 2016 2:04 PM

I am so fortunate have worked with an amazing, inspirational teacher who dedicated her life to our students and everything she did in life. Melanie was always the "calm" factor that looked at life in a positive way. Melanie made a difference in many of our lives and her memory will forever stay a part of how I teach my students. Melanie loved her teaching career and every day she demonstrated that love by example. Thank you Melanie for always giving back to others.

A candle was lit by Ranae Dean on April 11, 2016 1:24 PM

A candle was lit by Shannon Wolf on April 11, 2016 1:01 PM

A candle was lit by Paula Schmidt-Hobbs on April 11, 2016 12:32 PM

Message from Barbara Warnock

April 11, 2016 12:05 PM

Words cannot express the sense of loss from such a great teacher and person. May the strength of the Lord carry you through this most difficult time. You are in my prayers.

A candle was lit by Barbara Warnock on April 11, 2016 12:00 PM

A candle was lit by Kim Freeman and family on April 11, 2016 11:56 AM

A candle was lit by Missy Newton on April 11, 2016 11:20 AM

A candle was lit by Sharene Brown on April 11, 2016 11:19 AM

A candle was lit by Melissa Weicht on April 11, 2016 11:02 AM

A candle was lit by Margie Sexton on April 9, 2016 12:25 PM

Message from Ingrid Volikas and Family

April 9, 2016 4:01 AM

Your mother was an amazing woman and a wonderful teacher who made a huge impact on my children and their education. I feel blessed that my children were in her classroom, and she was their favorite middle school teacher. For me, I was lucky enough to know her as a colleague, too. Your mother enriched the lives of so many with her love and spirit.

A candle was lit by Ingrid Volikas and children, Ashley, Katy, and Lilly Volikas on April 9, 2016 3:48 AM

A candle was lit by Lisa Smith on April 8, 2016 2:00 PM

A candle was lit by Shelley Rust on April 7, 2016 2:54 PM

A candle was lit by Jenifer Scott on April 7, 2016 2:46 PM