Melissa A. (Richards) Ware

Melissa A Ware, age 38, of Redgranite, WI, died on November 12, 2019 after a battle with stage 4 colon cancer.

The child of Paul Richards and Sherry (Feavel) Prochaska, Melissa’s journey in life started on July 19, 1981 in Milwaukee, WI. In 2007, Melissa met a wonderful man in Redgranite named Timothy Ware. He liked it so he put a ring on it and they were married on April 24, 2010. They loved and raised, and sometimes swore at, four wonderful children: Ethan Richards, Jeci Perez, Jovi Ware, and Jade Ware.

Melissa lived a great life. She enjoyed camping, kayaking, the occasional Moscow Mule, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Melissa worked for the Wautoma Area School District for 11 years as an after school coordinator, teacher, Data Analyst, and most presently as the Technology Director. She very much enjoyed working with such a great group of people, all of whom were very supportive during her courageous fight with cancer.

She is survived by her loving husband and toolman, Timothy Ware, who always appreciated her sense of humor; their children, Ethan, Jeci, Jovi, and Jade, who always kept life interesting and fun through family activities such as zombie corn mazes, adventurous kayaking trips, and countless other memories.

Surprisingly enough, she is also survived by grandchildren (I know you are thinking, She is too young to have grandchildren! This is Melissa’s story, though and she is sticking to it.): Reygan, Leyla, Jozie, and Brenna. Many memories were created during camping trips, nights at home by the fire, and our week-long lake cottage vacation.

She is further survived by her parents, Paul and Melissa Richards and Sherry Prochaska; siblings, Jesse, Kelly, Kevin (Vicki), and Katelyn. Some of Melissa’s favorite memories with them include camping, concerts, fairs, and time spent at many lakes. She is also survived by her nephew and niece, Dean and Lydia, and many friends.

Melissa will be having a reunion in heaven with her paternal grandparents, Rose and Ed Richards, maternal grandmother, Thelma Jeanette Skenandore, her son Ethan’s grandfather, Steve Richards, and step-grandfather, Bob Moehring.

There are countless people who are blessed to have known and loved Melissa. She leaves us with this legacy she wrote:

What exactly did Melissa leave behind? A most amazing life. Although challenging at times, nothing was not worth fighting for. From childhood on, everything she was able to experience only made her a stronger person. She is hoping that the strength she learned is passed to her children. Her faith in God, however wavering at times, was one of the most important things to her. She may have not gone to church on a regular basis, but she knew in her heart that He is always with her and she will see her loved ones once again.

She also hopes that her sense of humor is passed down. Life is a wonderful gift and she hopes that everyone gives it a chance to be lived. Laugh at some of the small stuff, find a few hobbies that make you happy.