Melissa “Missy LaMee” Kanabrocki passed away on October 20^th, 2015 in the arms of her family.

She was born in Britton, South Dakota on June 5^th, 1962 to Nyla and Howard LaMee. As a child, Missy was charismatic, independent, and had a smile that lit up a room. She was in choir, Girl Scouts, and in several plays.

In high school, Missy was a cheerleader for the wrestling team and played saxophone in the school band. She had a magnetic personality and was always surrounded by friends, which she easily made.

She graduated in 1980 and moved to Idaho shortly after. There, she met her first husband David Brown, and gave birth to her first daughter Kelli.

From ’85-’89 she lived in California, where she brought her second daughter, Kristina, into the world. Her life revolved around her two girls.

Melissa moved back to Idaho, where she began her career in banking. During that time, she built many life long friendships and met her second husband, Mark. They married in ’98 and she moved to Washington State.

Melissa worked for several financial institutions in the area, working her way from teller to branch manager before becoming the Member Experience Manager at Gesa Credit Union.

She was not only a “boss”, but a mentor and most importantly a friend. Melissa was very involved in the community and was always willing to help when she was needed. She was a board member for Women Helping Women, and Junior Achievement, but volunteered for numerous other organizations and charities.

She touched the lives of many, and always challenged people to be their best. She was “Mom” to many, “Auntie Ya-Ya” to some, and friend to anyone who needed one. She was smart, witty, and definitely the life of the party. Missy was a shooting star—brilliant, beautiful, and gone far too soon. A celebration of her life will be held at the Sunset Event Center in Richland from 6-8 pm on Friday, October 23^rd, 2015