Melissa Lynn Schaefer

Melissa Lynn “Missy” Merrick Schaefer, 76, of Dover, Arkansas, went peacefully to be with her Savior on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Saint Mary’s Regional Health in Russellville, Arkansas. She was born on October 10, 1949, in Nashville, Arkansas to the late Mary Faye (Nichols) and George William “Billy” Merrick, Sr.

She is survived by her doting husband of 55 years, Robert Dennis Schaefer of Dover, Arkansas; two sons, Andy Schaefer (Brittany) of Maumelle, Arkansas and Matt Schaefer (Anna) of Rowlett, Texas; her grandsons Arden Schaefer and Ronin Schaefer of Rowlett, Texas; one brother George (Laura) Merrick of Van Buren, Arkansas; and one sister Mindy (Bill) Guillen of Mena, Arkansas. Also left to cherish her precious memory are a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Melissa was gentle, compassionate, and creative. She adored her husband, Dennis, and was so very proud of her two boys, Andy and Matt. She was the type of woman that met you where you “were” in life and always welcomed you with open arms.

Melissa loved quilting, crocheting, and crafting. Over the years she made and gifted some of the most beautiful hanging quilts, scarves, shoulder wraps, and table runners. She even made her grandsons a pair of Christmas stockings using intricate beading and sequins depicting a Christmas scene. To this day, the stockings remain a treasured Christmas morning tradition. She was an avid Texas Rangers baseball fan, enjoyed watching British mysteries, reading cozy mystery books, and working puzzles.

Outside of the home, Melissa shared Dennis’ interest in amateur radio. She was an active radio operator, taught radio licensing classes and was a certified Volunteer Examiner for government licensing tests. She served as president, secretary, and board member of the Arkansas River Valley Amateur Radio Foundation.

Melissa was a Red Cross Disaster Services volunteer and was qualified in several specialties. She was trained by the Arkansas Health Department in shelter management and participated in yearly evacuation drills for Arkansas Nuclear One. She was a den leader for Cub Scouts and served on a district committee to help other den leaders. She was also a substitute teacher for the gifted and talented program.

Because of her love of genealogy, Melissa made family a priority and rarely missed a family gathering. If you needed to know “who you belonged to” and/or “where you came from” Melissa was your go to person. At any family gathering we automatically knew she would be in charge of the veggie and olive tray because she was the veggie and olive tray queen.

Melissa was extremely organized to the point we had to open Christmas gifts in a particular order. She would have a note in her pocket and pull it out to give us orders on which gift to open next. And her Christmas wrapping was always impeccable. NO store-bought bows for her. She made her own tags and ribbons.

Melissa was smart as a whip and demonstrated that with her mad Jeopardy and Scrabble skills. Both of her sons admit it was almost impossible to beat her. And the only way to do so would be to team up.

And lastly, the family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the staff at Russellville Nursing and Rehabilitation. Everyone was so exceptionally kind and loved on our Melissa just like she was one of their own. They made her stay feel like “home away from home”. Also, a special thank you to Arkansas Hospice for going above and beyond to make the transition process peaceful. Your compassion for Melissa and the family was truly remarkable.

The family invites you to celebrate Melissa’s life on Tuesday February 17, 2026, at Russellville Family Funeral, Inc. in Russellville, Arkansas. Visitation will begin at 10 am with the celebration of life immediately following at 11 am.

In honor of Melissa, the family asks that you please consider a donation to the NovaStar Rescue. Donations can be mailed to 14682 AR-333 Dover, Arkansas 72837 or submitted online at www.novastarrescue.com

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Russellville Family Funeral, Inc. Please visit their website www.russellvillefamilyfuneral.com to share a memory of Melissa on their online guestbook.