She was born January 25, 1985, in Salmon, Idaho, to Brenda and Rock Rice. She grew up in Idaho Falls and graduated from Hillcrest High School in 2003.

She worked at Melaleuca.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Melissa loved children, reading, outdoor motor sports and music and was loving, kind and generous to all she knew.

She is survived by the following: father, Rock Arthur (Frances) Rice of Idaho Falls mother, Brenda Lyn Rice of Bridgeport, Texas sister, Michelle (Mike) Sorensen of Woodbridge, Virginia sister, Paula (Radion) Golicova, of Idaho Falls brother, Matthew (Holly) Rice, of Twin Falls, Idaho sister, Christina Rice of Twin Falls, Idaho grandparents, George and Shirly Rice of Salmon, Idaho grandparents, Richard and Lynn Putnam of St. George, Utah 7 nieces and nephews

She is preceded in death by her sister, Lelia Moore.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 25, 2009, at the Ammon LDS 17th Ward chapel, 2200 S. Stafford Drive, Ammon, Idaho. The family will meet with friends for one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at the Ammon Cemetery under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Melissa's name to your favorite charity.