The Orange City community is mourning the death of Melissa M. Kelly, who passed away at her home on Monday, August 10, 2026. She was 58. Her death was announced by Oolman Funeral Homes.
Melissa Marie Kelly was born June 4, 1968, in Alabama, to William John and Barbara Jenon (Dirks) Greiner. She was raised in Sioux City and Orange City and graduated from MOC High School. She later attended the University of Northern Iowa before returning to Orange City, where she managed several local businesses.
Melissa was married to Michael Kelly, and together they were blessed with two children, Tayler and Spencer. For many years, the family enjoyed restoring an early 1900s house on an acreage south of Orange City, creating memories that would remain an important part of their family story.
She was active in local Bible study groups and participated in women’s golf leagues in Orange City and Alton. Friends and family remembered her for her hospitality and her ability to entertain those around her.
Melissa also had a passion for cooking. She especially enjoyed preparing and smoking meat to share with family and friends. Summers at Okoboji were another source of happiness for her, providing opportunities to spend time with the people she loved.
She is survived by her children, Tayler L’amoureux and Spencer Kelly and his fiancée, Briana Van Ravenswaay, all of Minneapolis, Minnesota; her grandson, Hugo L’amoureux-Wu; her mother, Barbara Greiner of Orange City; her sister, Jenon Stroup and her husband, Cory, of Minnetonka, Minnesota; her niece, Briana Harber and her husband, Dylan; and her nephew, Brendan Bailie. Her father, Bill, preceded her in death.
A visitation with family present is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Oolman Funeral Home in Orange City. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Bryce Vander Stelt officiating.
Memorials will be given to the family for future designation.
As family and friends gather to remember Melissa, they are left with memories of a woman whose life was closely connected to her family, faith, friendships, community activities and the simple pleasures she enjoyed with those around her. Her memory will continue through her children, grandson, mother, sister and extended family, as well as the many people whose lives she touched.
