Melissa Leathley passed away on May 27, 2025, at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital.

She was born on November 7, 1964, in Chico, California, to William Hansen and Madge Bowden. Melissa spent her early years in Yuba City before moving to Grass Valley at age 14, when her parents purchased the local KFC and she worked there alongside her brother, Joe. She attended Nevada Union High School, where she was actively involved in the band—playing the flute—and sang in the choir. After graduating, she went to Sierra College to get her AA degree and sang in Music in the Mountains. She pursued a degree in Music at Chico State. Though just one credit shy of completing her degree, her passion for music remained a constant throughout her life.

In 1987, Melissa went with her friend Lynn to visit Lynn’s boyfriend, where she met Bruce Leathley for the first time. At the time, Melissa was wearing a neck brace, and Bruce—then a firefighter—ran out to the scene of a nearby accident. That encounter would become the beginning of a beautiful love story. Melissa and Bruce got engaged at Friar Tuck’s in downtown Nevada City and were married in 1989 at the Grace Lutheran church in Grass Valley. Their honeymoon took them on a joyful trip through Monterey, Disneyland, and the San Diego Zoo.

In 1993, they welcomed their daughter, Katie. Melissa devoted herself to motherhood, staying home to raise Katie and remaining deeply involved in her school activities.

Melissa was a gifted piano and voice teacher and loved sharing her passion for music with others. She was an active member of her church, especially within the women’s ministry. She found joy in visiting the ocean—always on the lookout for seashells—drawing intricate zentangles, and spending time with her cherished family and friends.

She is survived by her husband Bruce, her daughter, Katie, and her brother, Joe.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on June 16 from 11:00 a.m – 2 p.m. at Tofanelli’s on the patio in Downtown Grass Valley. All who knew and loved Melissa are welcome.