Melissa Jane Rush Grantham

Melissa Jane Rush Grantham, 52, of Tichnor, passed away August 29, 2024, at her home.  She was born on May 17, 1972, in Cass County, Missouri, to Harvey and Vicki Jacobs Rush.

Melissa was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her husband, Jason Grantham; their three beautiful daughters, Racheal Mary-Claire, Chloe Vianne Belle, and Ava-Grace Sloane Grantham, all of Tichnor; her sister, Racheal Faye Rush Cavicchio and brother-in-law David of New Hampshire; a large extended family and countless friends.

Melissa grew up in Tichnor where her parents ran Rush’s Bait Shop.  She graduated from Gillett High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas.  She went on to complete her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Arkansas at Monticello to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.  

Melissa was a member of Gillett Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years, organized vacation Bible schools and planned youth trips.  She was a member of the Gillett Methodist Women and the handbell choir.  She went on mission trips to Mexico and Africa.

On March 31, 2000, Melissa married Jason at Trapnall Hall in Little Rock.  The wedding was televised live on KTHV Channel 11 after Melissa won a contest hosted by the network.

Melissa loved her daughters and was a devoted mother.  From the time they were born, she taught them in Sunday School, hosted elaborate birthday parties, and scrapbooked every memory.  She spent weekends, summers, and holidays taking them on educational trips and traveling to state parks and museums.  Melissa taught them to read at an early age and shared her love for nature, gardening, and canning.  She often showcased their work at the county fair.  

Melissa cherished time spent with her sister in New England exploring and sightseeing, but mostly enjoying each other’s company.  She placed great importance on friendship and took her “pals” on many adventures including overnight trips to missile silos, yurts, caves, ranches, and unique locations.  She was known to find a bargain and travel on a tight budget.  She took advantage of every roadside attraction and small-town museum.  Her friends and family are blessed to have countless memories along with the many photos and gifts she gave them.  Her warm, welcoming nature and loving spirit will be sorely missed.

Melissa was devoted to her community and placed importance on documenting events for the local newspaper.  She was a dedicated teacher at DeWitt High School and was awarded 2022 Literacy Leader of the Year for the SEARK Reading Council.  She was selected for her tenacity, perseverance, and most importantly for her love and passion for literacy and her scholars.

The funeral services were September 3 at Gillett Methodist Church with burial in Bonner Chapel Cemetery.  Memorials can be made to Bonner Chapel Cemetery, 1121 Rollison Drive, DeWitt, Arkansas, 72042.  www.essexfuneralhome.com