Melissa Eastham

August 22, 1965 - December 31, 2012

Facebook

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Thursday 1/10, 12:29 am

Melissa EasthamMelissa Eastham, 47, of Midland, passed away unexpectedly Monday, December 31, 2012, in California. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, January 10, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church in Midland, with Dr. Tim Walker, officiating.Melissa was born August 22, 1965 in Clovis, New Mexico to Harry and Cathy Eastham. She graduated from St. Mary's Law School and began her legal career in the courtroom working for the Ninth Judicial District Attorneys Office in Clovis, New Mexico. She started as an Assistant District Attorney and ended her time there as a Deputy District Attorney. After leaving the District Attorneys office Melissa moved to Midland, Texas where she worked for the law firm of Cotton, Bledsoe, Tighe and Dawson as an associate attorney in their litigation section. Melissa left Cotton, Bledsoe in April of 2006 to form her partnership with Ken, and Matticks & Eastham, LLP was born. Melissa handled a wide variety of litigation matters and had expanded her practice to include small estate planning and assisted several organizations in business development matters.Melissa has a long family history of civic involvement with a particular affinity for non-profit organizations. While in Clovis, Melissa served on the Board of Directors for Mental Health Resources and the CASA board of directors where she served as President of the Board for 2 years. She also served as President of the Curry-Roosevelt Bar Association and was the founding member of the Womens Bar Association of Curry-Roosevelt Counties. Melissa was a Judge and attorney trainer for the Curry County Teen Court program and coached the high school mock trial team. After moving to Midland Melissa had continued to volunteer for several non-profit organizations. She served on the board of directors for The Safe Place of the Permian Basin and was presently serving on the board for High Sky Children's Ranch andthe Museum of the Southwest. She was also a member of the Advisory Board for Prosperity Bank. She was a former member of the board of directors for the Midland Rape Crisis and Childrens Advocacy Center. Melissa in the past had worked with Teen Court in Midland as a volunteer judge. Melissa is a member of First United Methodist Church. Melissa loved life and this tragic ending came at the peak of her happiness. She will be missed by her family, friends, and all those she touched during her precious life.Survivors include, her mother, Cathy Eastham of Midland; brother, Mark Eastham and wife, Michelle, of Minneapolis, MN; grandmother, Katheryn Williams Baker, of Midland; nephew, Mark Eastham, Jr. of Sunnyvale, CA; nieces, Miranda and Melanie Eastham, nephews, Michael and Matthew Eastham, all of Minneapolis, MN. She is also survived by her furry children, Ellie, Brinkley, Mattie, and Emma.She is preceded in death by her father, Harry Eastham; maternal grandfather, Leon Williams; paternal grandparents, Carmel and Helen Eastham; step grandfather, Phillip Baker; and her beloved furry child, Maggie.The family suggests memorials be made to the High Sky Childrens Ranch Inc, 8701 West County Road 60, Midland, TX 79707; or Safe Place of The Permian Basin, PO Box 11331, Midland, TX 79701; or the Rape Crisis Center of Midland, 1700 North Big Spring Street, Midland, TX 79710; or the Museum of the Southwest, 1705 West Missouri Avenue, Midland, TX 79701.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com,

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Map

Thursday 1/10, 12:29 am

See Condolences

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of the intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the beauty in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that one life has breathed easier because you lived here. This is to have succeeded. Ralph Waldo Emerson 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💙♾

Dear Cathy and family, we were so heartbroken to learn of the loss of your precious Missy. Please know that we will continue to pray for you and may God wrap his arms around you in comfort, now and always.Love to allSteve and Renay Mirsky

Cathy,You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Melissa was such a joy. She will be deeply missed.Tamara Curtis

Dear Cathy and family,Jude and I were so saddened to hear of the sudden and tragic loss of Missy. She was the best neighbor we've ever had--Midland gained a fine woman and citizen, and Clovis just wasn't the same without her. We wish you peace of heart and send our prayers. With love, Brian and Jude

Dear Cathy,We just heard the tragic news and are just shocked & devastated by the sudden loss of your beautiful daughter Melissa. Whenever we saw her with you at the various trade shows we always said how classy and striking a woman she was. My mother is so saddened and traumatized by this horrible news. Our thoughts and prayers are with youRemember that we love and care about you.With deepest sympathyRina & Rami

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Cathy,Melissa was a worthy adversary in the courtroom and exercised great professional courtesy both to the Court and her adversary. I missed her when she moved from Clovis to Midland. We offer our deepest sympathy.Morris Stagner Family

Cathy, It has been many years since I had the opportunity to be with you and your wonderful Mother and Dad, but I have thought of you all so many times and remembered with great affection the times we shared in Clovis. I did not have the opportunity to know Melissa, but in reading her accomplishments and activvities I know that she was a wonderful person who gave to others tremendously. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. I pray that God will comfort and keep you and your family in this difficultt time.Love to you and your family,Richard Langford

Cathy,I am so sorry to hear of Melissa's passing. I didn't know your daughter, but I have heard so many wonderful things about her. I can only imagine what you are going through. Just know that God is in His Heaven, and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Love,Shirley

Dear Cathy and Family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Sincerely,Dario Pastorelli

Our deepest and sincere sympathy on your daughter's passing...

Dear Cathy and family,We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in these difficult times. Amit Sofer

Dear Kathy;Though I do not know you very well, I am so terribly saddened to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Lika

Dearest Cathy, Mark and family,Please know how saddened we were by the tragic news of Missy's passing. Cathy, you know that both of your chldren have always been and always will be special to both of us. Missy will always be a part of the present because she has shared so much with others in need; how proud you must be, Cathy, of all of her wonderful deeds that will live on through others. Our hearts and thoughts are with you at this time, and we pray for peace for your family. Love to all of you. Dale and Sandi

Dear Cathy,I was so saddened to read this horrible news. My thoughts and prayers are with you. What a beautiful woman she was and I am sorry I never got to know her. Heaven just got another Angel. Please accept my deepest condolences along with a huge hug.Myriam

Cathy, My mother Flo is so devastated in your loss of Melissa. She is currently and has been out of town, so Iphoned her once I found out. My mother was very fond of Melissa & often mentioned her to me. I'm sure my mom will want to visit you when you are ready. I have met you but not Melissa & am truly sorry for your loss. We will pray for you & if you need anything please contact me! sincerely Mark West

Dear Cathy, Sacha and I were deeply saddened to hear of the sudden loss of your daughter Melissa. We read her extraordinary obituary and saw an examplary ife in the service of others. Although there are no words to ease your grief, a parent losing a child, just know that your are in our thoughts and prayers.Nathalie and Sacha

Dear Cathy,Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.

Dear Cathy and Family,So sorry to hear of Melissa's passing. Sincere condolencesand best wishes.Kind Regards,Miles Dowd

Dear Cathy, Katheryn, Mark, and Family, Our deepest sympathies are out to you. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Melissa was such a special,beautiful person loved by all of us blessed to have known her. The way she touched our lives will never be forgotton. God bless you.Love,Stephen and Marcia

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Cathy and family,Thinking of you at this sad time. So sorry.

Cathy and family,Our hearts go out to you for your loss of Missy. Her smile and warm personality will live forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Dear Cathy and Katheryn so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you. May God be with your family and Melissa.

Cathy and family,Melissa was the best boss a person could have starting out in the legal field. When I worked for her in Clovis at the DA's office she was just wonderful to work for.My prayers go out to you. There is a new star in Heaven!!

I'll miss ya Starsky!Love, Hutch

I was deeply saddened to learn of Missy's passing. I will miss her coming through the Wienerschnitzel when she came to Clovis. She was such a beautiful person, both inside and out, and she will be greatly missed. The contributions that she made to the community, and the impact she had on the lives of so many, will never be forgotten. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cathy,My heart hurts for you and your family. Melissa always had a beautiful smile on her face just like you do. Its hard to know what to say when tragedy comes into the life of people you know and love. I do know that I was a very fortunate person to have known Melissa. If you need anything just call, even if you just need to talk at 3:00 a.m. I will always answer my phone.Love ya, Melinda Brown

I am so sorry for your loss and praying that God will wrap his arms around you and comfort you in this difficult time.

Dear Cathy and Family Our hearts broke when we heard the news about Missy's passing. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Much LoveSara and Carolin

Cathy & family --I know your hearts are broken - but Heaven is rejoicing with having Miss Melissa - finally home. I pray God will continue to hold each of you close - and heal and strengthen you in the days ahead. Much love to each of you !

Dearest Cathy and Family, I was truely shock and saddened by this tragedy. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers, Melissa was an insperation to many especially me even 30+ years after we met. God bless you and know that heaven is a brighter place now even though that doesn't help much.

To the Eastham Family: Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I am saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Melissa Eastham. What a great loss, not only for your family, but for the community. She touched many lives. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Cathy, Kathryn, and Mark,My thoughts and prayers have been with you since I heard the news that Missy had passed away. I still cannot believe she is gone as I'm sure you must still be feeling the same. I know that your faith with get you through this time and I hope you find some comfort knowing that she is now in God's loving embrace. I know that she is now another angel watching over all her family and friends. Although we have been out of touch for many years, please know that I am here for you if there is anything at all you might need. My continued prayers are with you all.With much love, Laura Walker Hampton and Family

Dear Cathy and Family,We are so sad to hear of sweet Missy's death. I personally have so many fun, and fond, memories in the Jockey Club and Board Room of you, Missy and all the friends who shared our lives' stories during the summers in Ruidoso. What a huge loss for us, while an unbelievable gain for Heaven. God must have needed some very special help on December 31, 2012. Our hearts are broken over the loss of Missy for you and your family. My heart feels like it has been grabbed and twisted in two, leaving a hole that will never be filled, so I know that your's must feel like it has been forever removed. The love between a mother and daughter is so special, but the love between you and your precious Melissa was beyond this world. While there is very little, if any, comfort now, maybe in the future you will have some knowing that she is in the loving arms of our Lord protected from all harm forever. I love you and wish I could suffer this pain for you.

Cathy, Mark & Kathryn May God's strength be with you at these times. The blessings Melissa has given you and her friends in this life are but a pin point of the life to come. Michael & Clare Garrett

Dear Cathy and Mark,I was deeply saddened when I learned about Missy passing. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this difficult time. May the Love of those around you help you through the days ahead. May God's Grace strengthen you, with Deepest Sympathy,Sally Threet

Dear Cathy, Kathryn, and Mark, You have been in our thoughts constantly since we heard this tragic news. We are grieving with you at the loss of sweet Missy. There are just too many sorrows we do not understand in this life! Praying for God's peace beyond all our comprehension to be with you all. Lovingly, Bob and Sheila Brack

May God grant you His peace and comfort. We are praying for each of you during the sudden loss of your daughter and sister. Missy will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Know she blessed many lives with her beautiful smile and sweet spirit. Asking our Father for His love and mercy to surround you and strengthen you in the days ahead.Our Love,Rick & Marti Mayfield

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Cathy, My Heather called me two days ago and said that she had heard that Missy had passed away, I could not believe it, I asked around and could not get that confirmed and I didn't want to call you and ask, for I just knew that it could not be true. I am so sorry Cathy...I have lost a daughter too and it just breaks a parent in half...God had to of been short Angels in Heaven....I feel that Missy was on loan to everyone here on Earth and God needed her back in Heaven on Monday...neither of us are strangers to losing love ones...I bet Leon was excited seeing Missy come through Heaven's Gate...my thoughts and prayers lifted up to our Lord for you, Kathryn and Mark...we pray for God's peace, mercy, grace and comfort to surround you during this time...You remember our Bible study we had together? One night, you taught on the Holy Spirit and that He prays for us when we do not know what to pray for...I have held to that verse forever...Love you Cathy,buddy

Cathy and family, My daughter Kirsten & I were just in the store at Christmas time, & Christmas Eve. It was very busy and we asked who the tall beautiful woman was helping everyone with a nice smile.....it was your daughter Melissa. We are so very sorry for your loss. Our family will continue to lift you up in prayer for peace & comfort.The Brandt family

Heaven received a beautiul angel. May you feel the comfort of his prescence as you mourn the loss of Missy.Hugs and prayers go out to you Cathy, Mark, and Kathryn.Karen

Cathy & family:Missy was simply the best friend anyone could expect. Always smiling, helpful, thoughtful, sympathetic and a pleasure to hang out with. Words cannot express how her presence will be felt by all who knew her. There is peace in knowing she is surrounded by His love.

My deepest sympathy to Melissa's family. I worked with Melissa at the District Attorney's Office in Clovis, New Mexico. She was not only a co-worker, but a personal friend. I am just devastated by her death. I pray that the memories of her will help you through this very difficult time. I have alot of memories of her, that I will forever treasure. I used to take care of Melissa's house and Maggie when she lived in Clovis if Melissa went out of town. That was always a pleasure to do. She's now an angel in heaven watching over us.

Our hearts are broken. Missy left an amazing legacy. Heaven became a more beautiful place on December 31, 2012. There are not words, other than we are praying that God will hold you tightly, Cathy and Mark.We love you,Layne, Shelly, Austin, and Spencer Norris

Cathy, Mark, and family, My heart broke with the news of sweet Melissa's passing. I will always remember her as a kind, warm, smart, funny lady. She loved her family and her work, and it was a privilege to know her. My fervent and heartfelt prayers are with you all. May you find comfort in the Lord and in your memories of your beloved Melissa.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Missy was a good friend and she will be greatly missed. I am truly sorry for your loss

Cathy, Mark and all:Please know how deeply sorry we are for your shock and loss. I cannot believe she is gone, and I am heart broken. She was such an incredible friend and I have missed her terribly over the years. I told Chris last week I thought I would talk to her secretary and make a fake appointment and come surprise her now that my health and Kaprix's progress could allow it without me feeling guilty. I felt badly the first picture I wanted on the game room wall several months ago was the one of me, Collin and Melissa taken on our trip, in dress-up, taken in Tombstone. No pictures are yet on the wall in that room because I have not found the one with Melissa. I will forever regret not just calling her the hundreds of times I have thought of her---always with love and laughter. Thinking of her laugh and the amazing fun we had together will again make me smile. Now, I just burst into tears, as you do too. I pray for your heart to heal and for you to be able to again smile when thinking of her. I hope that you know how incredibly proud she was to be your daughter and sister, and later, how dearly she held her Aunt position in the family. She loved all of you so very much and was proud of you too. I simply cannot express my sorrow for your pain. May God bless and comfort you, as he has welcomed Melissa home to Heaven. Please let me know if I can do anything. In the meantime, you have my sympathy, love and prayers. Love to you all, Karen Webb Foote

Cathy and Mark, on behalf of my wife and daughters I would like to extend our sincere sympathy. The qualities that set Melissa apart were a reflection of family. All who were a part of her life enjoyed true friendship. No reunion of the class of 1983 will be the same. Our prayers are with you and may God Bless and keep you always.

So sorry for your loss.My deepest sympathy.

Melissa was such a beautiful, intelligent, witty, and wonderful woman! I looked up to and admired her so very much at church and jewelry parties at The Pear Tree! She was always an advocate for women, victims, and for her work! I am proud to have called her my friend! I know she is dancing with her daddy and grandparents among the angels above! I will keep you, Cathy, Kathryn, and Mark, in my daily prayers! I am so very sorry for your loss taken far too soon!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.