Melissa Vinton, 50 of Montezuma passed away at home under hospice care surrounded by her loving family Friday morning, January 23, 2026. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at the Holland-Coble Funeral  Home in Montezuma.  Burial will be held in the Union Mills Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 27, beginning at noon with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma.  Memorials may be directed to Randy Vinton and Family.

Melissa Kay Vinton was born on November 20, 1975 to George Whitehead and Patty Ladely Van Vark in Oskaloosa, Iowa.  She was raised in Montezuma and attended the Montezuma Schools.  Melissa was married to Randy Vinton on March 21, 1998 and to this union their daughter, Ashley, was born.  Melissa was a homemaker and ran a daycare for over 20 years.  She then worked a year and a half at Yolanda's in Montezuma before being diagnosed with her latest cancer.  Melissa loved to read, play cards and board games.  She spent time with her family and enjoyed camping and weekend gatherings with family and friends. Her greatest accomplishment in life was becoming a mother.

Melissa is survived by her husband, Randy; her daughter, Ashley (Canaan Kruse) Vinton; her parents, George Whitehead and Patty Van Vark; her brother, Scott (Kim) Whitehead; as well as many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her stepfather, Denny Van Vark.

The family would like to give special thanks to their family and friends for the support throughout the years. They would also like to thank the University of Iowa, Hope Lodge, Lance from Pella Regional Home Health, and Angie from Pella Hospice.