Melissa Rook, 55
Melissa Rook, 55, of Melbourne, passed away Friday, September 11th at the Iowa River Hospice House. To honor her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and no public funeral service is planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be directed to her family. For further information or to send her family a condolence, please visit mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Melissa and her family.
Melissa Louise Rook was born October 2, 1964, in Iowa City, Iowa. She was the daughter of Perry Houseman and Verla Benway. She grew up in the Story City area and was a graduate of Roland Story. Melissa married Robert Philip DeWitt and together they were blessed with 2 children; Brent Philip and Kristen Louise.
Melissa always dreamed of being a mother and wife. For many years she stayed home to raise her children and care for the family. She took every opportunity to be involved in her children’s lives; as a Girl Scout leader, Boy Scout leader, a helper in their classrooms and going on every field trip. She enjoyed being a volunteer at school which led her to become a Para educator at West Marshall Schools for 10 years.
Melissa took just as much pride in her grandchildren’s lives. She stayed home to help with the grandkids, never missed an opportunity to watch their school activities or to cheer them on at sporting events. She loved her nickname “Mimi.”
Melissa later took a position at the Iowa Veteran’s Home and was proud to say that she had the privilege of working with our veterans. Working with people young and old was a passion of Melissa’s.
It was at the IVH where she met her husband, Jim Rook. Together, they enjoyed motorcycle rides, fishing and camping trips to Decorah. He taught Melissa to trout fish and was happy when the student became the master and she’d out catch him 13 trout to 2 on a good day.
Melissa’s hobbies included sewing, flower gardening, bird watching, reading and photography.
Melissa found her way to Jesus when diagnosed with cancer, was baptized and led her family to Jesus also. She read her Bible daily, enjoyed Bible studies and instilled her beliefs in her husband, children and grandchildren. She spent time coloring and writing verses in her Bible, and left this to her grandson, Landyn.
Left to cherish Melissa is her husband of 3 years, Jim Rook; children: Brent (Trudee) DeWitt, Tacoma WA and Kristen (Brett) Rosedale, Albion, IA; grandchildren: Landyn, Lincoln, Lane, Lexie and Lilie; mother, Verla Benway; father, Perry Houseman; sister, Brenda Tyrrell; brothers: Jim (Michelle) Benway and Terry (Stephanie) Benway; and step-son, Tyler Rook.
In heaven she joins her grandma, Marjorie White.