Melissa L. " Missy " Rettinhouse

There are times in life when there are no answers, no explanations, and no reprieve from the resounding questions that lurk in the depths of our soul. Why some, like Melissa Missy Rettinhouse, are given so few days in which to create their colorful journey while others are given larger pieces in time is one of lifes most difficult questions. Missy was a remarkable young woman who was as vibrant as a magnificent sunset splashed across the sky. She was carefree and loving towards not only her family, but all those within her reach. Missy enjoyed many things throughout her life, yet nothing was as significant as the relationships she shared with her family. Although life was not without hardship for Missy, she took each moment captive and made the most of it. The family and friends she leaves behind will be forever grateful for sharing a piece of their hearts and lives with such a special woman. The seventies were a colorful decade in America with advances in civil rights, the increased influence of the womens movement, and heightened concern for the environment. It was this decade that saw the introduction of bellbottom pants, mood rings, and the family station wagon. During this same time, Herbert and Linda (Bull) VanderMolen, were pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Melissa, on March 27, 1972. Born in North Ottawa Hospital in Grand Haven, Michigan, Melissa was the second of three children in her family including older sister Heidi and younger brother Josh. Her father worked for Grand Haven Board of Light & Power while her mother was a homemaker. Their first home was on State Road in Spring Lake. Missy, as she was most often known, attended Fruitport Elementary School where Betty Afton and Sunny Wood were her favorite teachers. As a young girl Missy loved to read and taught herself to play the piano using a small keyboard. She was afraid of bees and wore socks on her arms to protect herself from getting stung. Missy loved pizza and frequented garage sales with her Grandma Judy with whom she was very close. Not only did Missy and her grandma share the same birthday, but they often wore their hats together, too. As she grew older, Missy went on to Fruitport High School where she was an active member of the choir. She also had many amazing friends including Ritchie Schaub, Tara Viehl, Tara Vogel, Jennifer Hendon, Jennifer Glen, Candy Morton, Missy Jo Maxfield, and Wendy Olson. Missy also became good friends with a young man named Ron Rettinhouse during her high school years. She had no idea at the time that this would be the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. After graduating from high school in 1990, Missy was ready to embark on the next phase of her lifes journey. She started dating Ron in 1991 and what had started as friendship blossomed into true love and they married on January 23, 1992. The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Orlando where they visited Missys favorite place on earth - Disney World. The newlyweds settled into their first home, a duplex in Fruitport. Ron worked at Fruitport DPW while Missy worked for Ritchies Grocery Store in Spring Lake. Later, she worked for Wesco and Arbys as well. Throughout her life, Missy enjoyed a variety of interests. Her love for Disney World brought her to Orlando several times with many people including her sister Heidi and her husband Jeff as well as her brother Josh and many others, too. Missys favorite restaurant was Leonardos in Detroit so she and Ron went there for their anniversary. She loved spaghetti and meatballs, dolphins, and purple was her favorite color. Her love for reading continued into her adult life, and she was also a movie buff. Missys favorite show was The Simpsons, and she loved her computer, traveling, and playing video games. Although she enjoyed spending time pursuing her interests, nothing was of greater importance to Missy than the people in her life as she treasured both her family and her friends. She had a very close relationship with her brother Josh and she was close with her nieces and nephews as well. Missy was devastated by the death of her father in 1997 and by the death of her Grandma Judy also. She shared a special relationship with her mother Linda, and she and her husband lived in her home. This was a great arrangement for them since Missys husband was a truck driver who was often away from home. At times, Missy liked going on the road with Ron, too. In so many ways, Melissa Rettinhouse had so much to offer the world around her. She was a woman of many interests, yet nothing held a more prominent place in her life than her family. Missy was a loyal friend to many through the years and an animal lover, too. She could be opinionated at times, but she always had a heart that was as gentle as they come. Missy loved doting over her nieces and nephews and spending time at Disney World. She leaves behind countless memories that will be forever treasured by those she leaves behind. Missy will be dearly missed. Melissa L. Rettinhouse died Thursday, June 24, 2010. Missys family includes her husband, Ron; brother, Joshua VanderMolen of Fruitport; sister, Heidi (Jeffery) Dixon of Muskegon; mother, Linda VanderMolen of Fruitport; several nieces and nephews including, Gabrielle, Garrett, Mitchell; special friends, the Mumbys. She was preceded in death by her father, Herbert and grandparents, Orrie and Judy Garzelloni. A service will be held on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Fruitport Chapel Fruitport, MI, with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the family.