Melinda “Mel” Leigh Chase, age 71, of Kirbyville
Melinda Leigh Chase also had the nicknames of “Mel” and “Meli,” age 71, of Kirbyville, Missouri, went to be with the Lord on June 18, 2026. She was welcomed into the world on June 15, 1955, by loving parents William and Betty Cook. Mel was joined in marriage to James Chase in April of 2002.
With a heart for God, Mel’s faith was the steady rhythm of her life. As a prayer warrior, she poured countless hours into leading a Facebook prayer group touching 300+ people, offering comfort, scripture, and hope. For anyone that asked, Mel hand-picked and sent daily inspirational spiritual messages – many, many times being exactly what the person needed in that moment.
Mel enjoyed camping, kayaking, crafting, spending time in her garden, planning / doing home improvements, and striving to live a natural / organic life. Mel loved journalism and she shared her passion for her hobbies with others via a Pinterest page called MellOnWheels and cultivated 1.7K followers. She also had a blog of her and James’ camping trips in their teardrop camper with the same name where she documented and shared their adventures.
She was deeply patriotic and loved America with her whole heart, carrying a steadfast pride in the country she cherished.
As Mel was endlessly compassionate, she had a special place in her heart for animals and rescued many dogs and cats, giving each a loving home and helping find homes for the ones she couldn’t take in herself.
Mel’s passion for people led her to have several careers. She managed several theaters across two different movie theater chains then began her career with country music and comedy shows at the Ozark Mountain Hoe-
Down Music Theatre in Eureka Springs. She also became a server in the off-season in Eureka Springs and later moved to Branson where she worked at Big Cedar’s Devil’s Pool restaurant and met James Chase. She also worked with the Baldknobbers Variety Show, but her heart and home was always with the Presleys Country Jubilee where she worked until her passing.
The memories and moments she created throughout her life will be cherished by all who knew her, each one a reminder of her kindness, her faith, and the love she shared so freely, leaving a “Mel sized” hole in many people’s hearts.
Mel is survived by her husband of twenty-four years, James Chase of Kirbyville, Missouri; daughter, Cherilyn Blevins and husband, Jason of Bella Vista, Arkansas; son of James, Samuel Chase of Harrison, Arkansas; daughter of James, Kristine Branon and husband, Stephen of Centerton, Arkansas; son of James, Thomas Chase of Harrison, Arkansas; and grandchildren: Olivia, Chase, and Archer.
She is preceded in death by her parents and Sarah Chase.
There will be celebration of life at 1:00pm on Sunday July 19, 2026, at Freedom Fellowship Church (Presleys' Country Jubilee), 2920 76 Country Blvd, Branson, Missouri, with Pastor Scott Presley officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made in Melinda Chase’s name to Branson Human Society https://bransonhumanesociety.com.
