Melissa Jean Stein passed away, at home in Sears, MI, unexpectedly from known health complications, on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Melissa was 61.

Melissa was born on August 3, 1964 in Reed City, Michigan to Clinton and Marcella (Rock) Stein and attended Evart Schools. She was an assembler at Ventra where she has worked for over 30 years.

Melissa was strong-willed and stubborn—sometimes frustratingly so—but she was authentic and unapologetically true to herself. She spoke sarcasm fluently and never hesitated to stand up for herself or for those she cared about when she felt it was needed. Although her health had declined over the last year, Melissa chose not to dwell on the negatives or the things she could not change. Instead, she preferred to bring laughter and smiles to those around her rather than focus on sadness. Her strength, humor, and resilience will be remembered by those who knew and loved her.

Melissa is survived by her longtime boyfriend, Bruce Flinn; children, Charlla (Brandon) Lamond of Ishpeming, Jason (Courtney) of Greenville and Sam of LeRoy; three sisters, Barb (Joseph Ernest) Stein-Gaerrero, Corinna (Marvin) Foster, and Kari Stanton; maternal aunt, Olivia Stitt; five grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Melissa was preceded in death by her parents.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held from 3pm to 5pm on Friday, June 19th at the Stein Farm, 9014 70th Avenue, Evart. Condolences and memories can be shared with Melissa’s family, on her page, online at coreyfuneralhome.com.