Melissa Vandersloot

Deeply caring, free-spirited, and outgoing, Melissa Vandersloot led with her heart and lived a life rich in family and friends. Despite being born in the 80s, Melissa was a carefree child of the 60s who followed the beat of her own drum. She was a kind person who did what she felt was right, embracing each moment as a gift and every person as a friend. Even a quick fill-up at the gas station could lead to a twenty-minute interaction where she enjoyed getting to simply BS with people. A loving daughter, mother, sister, and friend, Melissa will long be remembered and so very missed.

1981 was a year marked by exciting new discoveries and technological advances that would soon transform the course of modern life. The United States was awestruck by the first flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia as it safely carried two astronauts into space and returned them safely with the spacecraft. On land, Ronald Reagan became president, and the highly anticipated wedding between Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles of Wales was celebrated. Researchers found the Titanic in the North Atlantic Ocean, and the word “internet” was first uttered. Nowhere was there more excitement than the home of Gail Roth as she welcomed her daughter, Melissa, to their family on December 6 at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Born six to eight weeks early, Melissa weighed only 3 pounds 12 ounces at birth and had to stay in the hospital until she came home two days before Christmas. Small and mighty, when she was one year old, she only weighed about 16 or 17 pounds, but she never stopped fighting and often beat her peers in many milestones. She enjoyed a typical childhood complete with lots of camping adventures and hobo pies, days at the beach, and spending time at Lake Michigan.

Melissa attended West Oakview Schools and Northview High School. Though she never finished high school, she started working at a young age. She held many jobs, including working as a cashier at a local laundromat.

In 2001, Melissa’s son, Jaron, was born, and she quit her job to stay home and care for him. She was a devoted mother who made sure Jaron grew up in a loving and supportive home. She enjoyed attending his football and lacrosse matches, and as he grew older, she even became one of his team managers.

In 2003, Melissa married Nick Vandersloot and was delighted by the birth of her daughter, Mackenzie, in 2005. Melissa continued to be a full-time mom, enjoying the process of creating a lovely home for her family. Though the marriage ended in divorce, the family made many treasured memories together. Nick had a boat, and the family enjoyed spending time on Lake Michigan, going tubing and fishing for salmon. They also loved to gather for cookouts with friends and bonfires in the backyard. Mackenzie was involved in gymnastics, and Melissa loved attending her events and cheering her on. Melissa’s parents continued camping, and she would visit them on their adventures. She also enjoyed a trip to Disney World with her entire family.

The last five years proved very trying for Melissa. She moved frequently and held a variety of jobs, including cashier and factory worker. Despite the challenges she faced, she was still involved with her children, taking day trips, getting their nails done, and sharing each other’s good company.

Though our days with her were far too few, every moment spent with Melissa is a gift we will long treasure. As we celebrate her life, may we find comfort in our good memories and the honor of carrying her legacy of wholehearted kindness, free-spirited authenticity, and perseverance forward. In each moment we enjoy gathering with loved ones around a bonfire, spending the day at the beach, cheering on each other’s endeavors, and courageously facing life’s hardships, we keep Melissa’s mighty and gregarious spirit alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Melissa S. Vandersloot, of Sparta, Michigan, passed away on July 18, 2025, after a medical complication in her home. Melissa was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lee and Cec Scholten; her uncle, Jim Scholten; her father-in-law, Glenn Vandersloot; and very good friend, Jason. Melissa is survived by her son, Jaron Henning; daughter, Mackenzie Vandersloot; her parents, Gail and Wolfgang Roth; grandparents, Bill and Karla Fisher; and mother-in-law, Jeanne Vandersloot. Melissa is also survived by her former husband, Nick Vandersloot; friend, Chad; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Friends are invited to visit with Melissa’s family on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. There will be a time of memory sharing beginning at 1 PM at the funeral home. To leave a memory or sign the guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com