Melissa Ann Ruiz Stapleton, 58, of Picayune passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at her residence.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 27 at 12 noon at Picayune funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jerry Kirby and Bro. Skip Rigney officiating. Visitation will start at 11 am and continue until time of services. Burial will be at McNeill Cemetery.

Melissa Ann lived in the McNeil area most of her life and was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church.

She was a very strong and independent woman and a special person in many ways, as a mom, grandma, sister and friend. She defined the word “selfless” because she was always thinking of others and never of herself. She had been a caretaker for her mother, grandmother and uncle without complaining until they left this life. She gave to others without expecting anything in return, because she had a heart of gold. She deserved much more than she ever received.

She is survived by her daughter, Flora Goss of Picayune; son-in-law, Denson Goss of Picayune; two brothers, Carl Penton of Poplarville and Michael Penton of Metairie, La.; four sisters, Billie Gayle Hennes of McNeill, Jackie Eckles of Slidell, La., Sandra Hardin of Metairie and Oleda Almonzo of San Antonio, Texas; three grandchildren, Brandon Goss, Amber Goss and Dillon Goss; and one great-grandchild, Brayden Goss

She will be sadly missed by her daughter, son-in-law, sisters, brothers, grandchildren, and many, many friends.

Arrangements are under the direction of Picayune Funeral Home.