"A great teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart."

Melissa Ann Nutter unexpectedly passed away on January 28, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.  She was born November 27, 1966 in Kettering, Ohio to Dr. James Douglas Nutter and Stella Elisa Nutter.  Melissa's lifelong commitment to education included graduating with a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from Missouri Baptist University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, cum laude from University of Missouri-St. Louis.  Melissa was a devoted educator whose calling was evident in every classroom she entered. Teaching grades one through eight, she was not only an instructor, but a coach that met children where they were, challenging them to grow and believing in them long before they believed in themselves.  Her influence extended beyond the classroom as she guided and inspired cheerleaders, instilling confidence, teamwork and pride.  She possessed a wonderful sense of humor and an unforgettable infectious belly laugh that could instantly lighten a room and bring others together.  Her impact lives on through the countless students she shaped, many of whom carry her lessons into their successful adult lives today.  She left an indelible mark on generations of children and all who knew her.  Outside of teaching she found her greatest joy in the outdoors by camping under open skies, fishing quiet waters and hiking trails she loved. Melissa is survived by her mom, Stella Elisa Nutter of St. Louis, Missouri; her sisters, Yvonne Nutter Jones of Mundelein, Illinois and Georgianna "GeAnn" Nutter Powers (husband, David) of Wildwood, Missouri; her brother, James Douglas Nutter, Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri; her nieces and nephews, Lauren Nicole Jones and Ryan Michael Jones both of Chicago, Illinois, Brandon David Powers (wife, Macy) and Kathryn Elise Powers both of St. Louis, Missouri; and her foster son, Gabriel Vincent Ballatore (wife, Kimberly) and her grandchildren, Faith Carmel Ballatore, Gabriel Elijah Ballatore, Hannah Sophia Ballatore, Chloe Grace Ballatore, Hope Elizabeth Ballatore all of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Services: Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manchester, Missouri on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Her final resting place will be in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a place that reflects her love of nature and adventure. In lieu of flowers, any memorials are requested to be given to the American Cancer Society .

As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com