Melissa Ann Evans, 53, of Vinita, OK was born April 12, 1969, to Gladis Leaf in Jefferson City, MO. She grew up in Vinita and was the middle child of 6. Melissa always loved sports (especially basketball) and shopping. She would have been described as the stubborn one, especially if you really knew her. She worked very hard with several jobs taking care of her children, Britney, Kayne, Dana, Reece, Caleb and Abigail.

A woman whose guilty pleasures were Mt Dew, beating her sisters at Yahtzee and listening to music nonstop. Mostly Prince from the time eyes opened until they closed. With the bonus fact that nobody could ever tell her Johnny Depp did any wrong.

Melissa passed away Sunday, January 8, 2023. A woman of many words and more corny jokes than anyone could stand, left an impact on many lives whether she knew it or not. She is survived by her children, Britney Vernon of Tulsa, Kayne Vernon of Beggs, Dana and husband Lucas Mapes of Overland Park, Caleb Evans of Cleora and Abigail Frapp of Vinita. Melissa is also survived by her sisters, Debby and Angie; her brothers, Richard and Mike; and her stepfather, Mickey Leaf.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Gladis; her son, Reece; and her sister Tammy.