Melisa Diane Reed

Melisa Diane Reed, 57, of Russell, Kansas, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Salina Regional Hospital in Salina, Kansas.

Melisa was born on October 25, 1968, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the daughter of Vernon D. and Wava Maxine (Billips) Reed. She grew up in Colorado Springs and Logan, Kansas, and graduated from Logan High School in class of 1987. After graduating from high school, she went on to earn her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland University in Kansas City, Kansas.

Throughout her life, Melisa was blessed with four children: Jaylen (Nick) Meyer, Jessica Lopez, Ausitn (Yulya) Lopez, and Ashley Lopez. Her children were a source of tremendous pride, and she always expressed how proud she was of each one of them. She cherished her family and the time they spent together. She was also a proud grandmother to her grandchildren, who held a special place in her heart. In 2020, Melisa met Doug Meyer, and the two built a life together in Russell, Kansas. They shared six years of companionship, creating beautiful memories together. Throughout her career, Melisa owned and worked at several chiropractic clinics across western Kansas, dedicating herself to caring for her patients and serving her community. Her journey culminated in 2020 when she opened Life Force Chiropractic Clinic in Russell, Kansas, where she found great joy in helping others and building lasting relationships with her patients. Melisa had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed being surrounded by nature. She truly enjoyed fishing, quilting, Rotary Club and sewing. Above all, she treasured spending time with her family.

Melisa’s memory will be lovingly cherished by her longtime companion, Doug Meyer, of Russell, Kansas; her children, Jessica Lopez of Wichita, Kansas, Austin Lopez and his wife, Yulya Askolya, of Houston, Texas, and Ashley Lopez of Columbia, Missouri; her stepson, Tanner Smith of Hoxie, Kansas; and her brother, Brian Reed, and his wife, Becky, of Haven, Kansas.

One of Melisa’s greatest joys was being a grandmother to Sofiya Lopez, Kyson Meyer, Aveyah Meyer, Coralynn Meyer, and Treyton Meyer. Her love for her family will live on through each of them. Kyson, Aveyah, Coralynn, and Treyton are the children of her beloved late eldest daughter, Jaylen Meyer, and Jaylen’s husband, Nick Meyer. Melisa also held a special place in her heart for Doug’s daughter, Ashleigh Meyer, and Ashleigh’s children, Mellowdee Cabral, Stylee Cabral, and Debbie Amoranto, who were part of the extended family she treasured.

Melisa was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Wava Reed, and her beloved eldest daughter, Jaylen Meyer. Though they are no longer here, their memories will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who loved them, and the love they share will continue to live on through their family for generations to come.

A celebration of Melisa’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Terri Sutherlin officiating. Burial will take place at 1 P.M. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Hill City, Kansas. The family will greet guests before and after the memorial service. Cremation has been selected by the family with Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in charge of the memorial service arrangements.