Jessie Kate Mello

How do you sum up someone’s life in one page?

You don’t. That’s why it’s called a lifetime.

Jessie was a woman of incredible talent, character, and love. She made you want to be the best you could be, no matter what. Her mere presence brought people together and allowed others to find the strengths that made them unique. She would celebrate your victories and weed out your failures. Excellence was not a lofty goal for Jessie; it was the standard.

Jessie lived more in 24 years than most dream to live in a lifetime. She traveled the world, was a multisport athlete, a black belt, a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, and an incredible daughter, sister, and friend to everyone she encountered. She was kind, loving, and full of joy but also tenacious and determined. She would put you in your place with a simple glance and build you up with a hug.

When you talk to anyone who served with Jessie, you will see a twinkle in their eyes because of her. They admire her honesty, integrity, work ethic, and intentionality. She was loved, and she was feared, exactly the way she wanted it to be.

Her life could never be captured in a singular page, but sit down with someone who got to know Jessie, even for a moment, and listen to their stories about her. You will find someone who could impact the world with a simple “Hello” and “How are you doing today?” Jessie would light up every room she walked into, even if it was because her wing caught on fire during the annual church Christmas show. Her light inspired those around her and brought to mind in each person, “What would Jessie do?”

Jessie loved blue skies and the wind whistling through her hair as she faced down the obstacles in her way. Jessie Kate Mello passed peacefully on January 5th, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. However, that is not the end of her story. She continues to live on in those whom she loved and impacted.

Jessie leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory and carry her light forward. She is survived by her devoted parents, Eric and Jennifer Mello of Grand Junction, Colorado. Her brothers, Bo Mello of Waco, Texas, and William Mello of Grand Junction, Colorado, will forever hold their sister close in their hearts. Jessie's grandparents, Bill and Katy Buxman, as well as Jim and Kathy Mello, all of Grand Junction, also survive her, carrying forward the legacy of their beloved granddaughter. Beyond her immediate family, Jessie's memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her, a testament to the impact she made during her time with us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to either of the following:

https://checkout.square.site/merchant/SZSG1PGDM17AH/checkout/EUZZ5WNPFYV6X6GQOYB4WDVJ

Lutheran Church and School of Messiah Student Scholarship Fund 840 N 11th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501

Or

The Gary Sinise Foundation https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate

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