Melissa Marie Alexander, 83, Rosebud, passed away peacefully at her home on Aug. 24, 2026.
She was born on May 22, 1943, to the late Lawrence Eugene DeLeurere and Margaret Ravenscroft DeLeurere in Gary, Ind.
She graduated from Hobart High School in Hobart, Ind. in 1961 and attended Pfeiffer College in North Carolina, earning a BA in Biology and Library Science. Melissa later earned Master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina (UNC) and Indiana University (IU) as well as multiple certifications including Psych Examiner from the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL).
She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Ralph Alexander on March 4, 1972, in Hobart, Ind. Their marriage spanned more than 54 years and was marked by deep devotion, mutual support and enduring love. Melissa was immensely proud of Ralph and cherished the life they built together.
A lifelong educator, “Ms. Al” dedicated herself to helping young people discover their strengths and potential. From her work as a school librarian in North Carolina and Indiana to her years teaching at Owensville High School in Missouri, she possessed a unique gift for recognizing the best in her students and encouraging them to see it in themselves. Long after retirement, Melissa spoke fondly of her students and classroom experiences, drawing joy from their accomplishments and life journeys. Her students competed for the honor of being named her “Cat of the Week,” and her dedication to education was recognized when she was selected as Teacher of the Year.
Melissa devoted more than a decade to Girl Scouting as a troop leader and song leader, inspiring generations of girls through service, friendship and adventure. Although she lived with the effects of polio from infancy, it never slowed her down, including on the many camping trips she led with her troop.
Melissa was also committed to her community. She served as the Rosebud City Collector from 2003 until 2021, earning the respect of colleagues and residents alike for her meticulous recordkeeping, professionalism and attention to detail. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church and gave generously of her time through volunteer work, including at the Rosebud Threshers Convention and Owensville High School events.
An avid reader, Melissa’s floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, often filled with double rows of books, reflected a lifelong love of learning. Those books were never simply decorations, they were read, reread, shared, lent and donated. She was a gifted craftswoman whose talents included counted cross-stitch, bobbin lace making, knitting and other fabric arts. Family and friends treasured the hats, sweaters and handmade gifts she created. A lover of puzzles and logic, Melissa was known for her remarkable ability to perform complex calculations in her head, whether balancing receipts at community events or making change with speed and precision.
She was preceded in death by parents, Lawrence and Margaret; older brother, George Harley DeLeurere and by granddaughter, Berte Maria Alexander Strobel.
Melissa is survived by devoted husband, Ralph Alexander of Rosebud; daughters, Meghan Alexander of Columbia, Fiona (Alexander) O’Donnell and husband Daniel of Chicago, Ill. and Hillary (Alexander) Winter and husband Aaron Winter of Drake; beloved grandsons,Wolfgang, Fritz, Brahm, Ansel and Hollis; brothers, Armand DeLeurere and wife Kathy of Holiday Island, Ark. and Wesley DeLeurere of Hobart, Ind.; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.
Melissa’s kindness, wisdom, creativity and unwavering faith touched countless lives. She spent her years nurturing minds, serving her community, encouraging others and creating beauty in everything she did. To her family, she was the heart of the home, and to all who knew her, she was a steady source of encouragement, intelligence and grace.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date, with details to be announced.
Memorial contributions suggested to Three Rivers Hospice, PO Box 1937, Platte City MO, 64079.
No longer an “angel in waiting,” Melissa has now earned her wings and serves full-time among the angels.
Arrangements entrusted to Rolla Cremation and Memorial in Rolla.
