Melissa Lee Baumler

Melissa Lee Baumler, 58, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, passed away on March 24, 2026. Born on March 13, 1968, in Fort Myers, Florida, Melissa spent her early years moving between New York and Michigan before settling in Ohio, where she built a life centered around love, family, and devotion.

Melissa attended Thomas Worthington High School and dedicated her life to being a homemaker, raising her children with care, creativity, and unwavering love. She was a mother and wife before anything else, always putting her family first.

She is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth S. Baumler; her children, Ruth Rhodes and Nicole (David) Compton; her siblings, David Malech and Allison Malech; and her many beloved grandchildren: Micah, AJ (Arlin), Mykhail, Dameion, Michael, Melynie, Ayrian, Draco, Elijah, Isabelle, Juliette, Miles, Katherin, Jayce, Justin Jr., Lincoln, Paul, Natalie, and Jaianna. She is also survived by her great-grandson, Mykhail Hawkins Jr.; her nieces and nephews, Rachael Robinson, Levi Malech, and Lily Malech; and countless aunts, uncles, and cousins. She also held a special place in her heart for her beloved puppy, Violet.

She was preceded in death by her son, Justin Ray Bradford; her mother, Sheila J. Malech; and her father, Arnold M. Malech.

Melissa will be remembered as loving, funny, sarcastic, stubborn, and strong-willed—traits that made her uniquely herself and deeply loved by those around her. She was even known as the family’s “Monopoly money thief,” bringing laughter and personality into every gathering.

She found joy in puzzles, arts and crafts, drawing, Legos, and creating handmade Halloween costumes for her children when they were young. Melissa had a talent for baking and decorating cakes from scratch and cherished her mother’s cherry cheesecake, which she lovingly tried to recreate over the years. She also enjoyed watching her favorite shows, including The First 48, Forensic Files, Big Brother, and Survivor.

Raised in a Jewish household, Melissa later dedicated her life to Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and lived faithfully as a Christian woman.

Melissa’s life was a testament to love, resilience, humor, and devotion to family. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the laughter, traditions, and love she leaves behind.