Melissa Ann Heckman

Melissa Ann Heckman, age 57, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Melissa was born on November 24, 1968, in Alexandria, Virginia, to her mother, Helen Louise Helton. She was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend whose warmth and competitive spirit brought joy to everyone who knew her.

Melissa is survived by her husband of several years, Denny J. Heckman. She is also survived by her mother and best friend, Helen Abernathy. She leaves behind her beloved sisters, Sue Amundsen, Rebecca Smith (Danny), Toni Hopson, and Sarah Allen.

Melissa was a proud aunt to her nieces, Kaelynn Hopson, and Sarah Arellano, and nephews, Cameron Hopson (Bailey) and Tanner Smith. She was also blessed with a great-niece, Sabrina Moon, and shared a special bond with her cherished aunts, Stella Ballard and Charlotte Bryant.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Ryan Hunter Wells, whom she carried in her heart always.

Melissa had a true love for life. She enjoyed attending Cincinnati Reds baseball games, had a deep love for sports, and adored her cats. She took great joy in skincare, traveling, and movie outings, and she especially loved listening to music from the 1970s and 1980s. Known for her competitive nature, Melissa was a fierce and enthusiastic board game player with family and friends. Above all, she loved her family deeply, especially her mother, who remained her closest companion throughout her life.

In honor of Melissa’s memory, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society or to any Breast Cancer organization.

Visitation will be held at Louisville Memorial Gardens West on Friday, January 2, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m., with burial immediately afterward.

Melissa will be remembered for her love, laughter, strength, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear.