Melissa Ann Zepeda

On December 2, 2022, Our Lord and Savior visited our Most Beloved Mother, Melissa Ann Zepeda, to take her to her Permanent Home according to His Will. Knowing how much we, her daughters, Revea Martinez, Talia Martinez and Devenn Martinez would miss her, we graciously accepted God’s Plan. Our Most Precious Mother’s storm had been calmed forever and Our Lord asked us to claim His Promise of:

                        Isaiah 41:10:

           “Fear not for I am with you, 

             Be not dismayed for I am

             Your God. I will strengthen you

             Yes I will help you, I will uphold 

             you with my righteousness of

             My Right Hand”

Melissa Ann leaves behind her daughter's: Revea Adela Martinez;  Talia Dominique Martinez (Frank); Devenn Monique Martinez (Sahara); her daughters’ father, Richard Martinez; grandson's Alexander (Alex) Millan; Josiah (Siah); sister Maria Stella (aka Stella) Schmidt (Chay); brother Heriberto Zepeda Jr. (Verennice); nephew Adrian Zepeda; Mother Virginia Almquist (Jeff); Father Heriberto Zepeda Sr. (Sylvia) and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces from various places such as Arizona, California, Texas, Tennessee, and Brazil. 

Heriberto Zepeda Sr.  and Virginia Zepeda Almquist welcomed the blessing of their daughter Melissa Ann into the world 1972 in Patterson, California.  Her arrival was like a tiny rosebud that brought joy to those who came in contact with her. The warmth and loving nurturing that Melissa Ann received from her parents since infancy would help her thrive like a ray of sunshine. When God shined His Light upon this tiny rosebud and bathed her with His Pouring Rain, this tiny rosebud opened up and flourished so gracefully into the most beautiful rose one can only imagine.  

Two years later Melissa Ann was joined by her sister Maria Stella, aka Stella and thus would become the start of a very close, inseparable and loving sisterly relationship. 

A few years later, Melissa Ann and Stella welcomed their precious baby brother Heriberto Zepeda Jr. (aka Eddie) into the world. Every time he would address Melissa Ann, he would always refer to her as “Sister”. It was the Pet name he gave her that expressed his fondness for her. Later Eddie and Verennice introduced their baby boy, Adrian, to his sisters Melissa Ann and Stella as they proudly welcomed their baby nephew into the world. 

Our beautiful Rose went on to become the most fragrant, tender-loving, and generous individual that everyone would want as a friend. She never missed a beat in reaching out to give a helping hand when needed. Her nature was one that would light up a room with her carefree laughter that could be heard from afar. 

Melissa Ann would always accept challenges and tribulations very gracefully. She was never one to complain when things weren’t going favorably. She had the ability to accept things as they were, picked herself up after a hard fall and trusted in the Guidance of her God. 

                              John 16:33

        “These things I have spoken unto you

          That in me ye might have peace

           In the world you may have tribulations;

           But be of good cheer; I have overcome 

           the world”

The  child-rearing that Melissa Ann’s parents 

provided for her afforded her the opportunity to attend grade school in Patterson. She later would attend Patterson HIgh School where she went on to become a cheerleader. 

As a cheerleader, one of the most memorable moments that Eddie, Melissa Ann’s Dad, will forever treasure, was during a homecoming event at Patterson High School. 

As Melissa Ann and her cheering squad rode on a float during half time she was throwing little rubber footballs out to the stand for the public to catch. Melissa Ann caught her Dad’s eyes watching her and she immediately started throwing passes to her Dad. Don’t remember how many footballs he caught but it was evident that together the two of them would form a father/daughter team for a lifetime. 

As a child Melissa Ann’s favorite toy was her “Regaman” doll. The name she mysteriously gave her Regedy Ann doll. One day she joined  her aunt and uncle on a shopping  spree at Montgomery Wards. Somehow she managed to slip away with her Regaman doll and placed her in a stroller that was on display, when much to their surprise here comes Melissa Ann pushing her Regaman doll down the isle. That marked the beginning of the realization that Melissa Ann would grow up to become a very independent and caring mother to her children. However, that evening she kept her uncle very busy by undressing her Regaman and her uncle having to dress up the doll over and over again.  After several times of dressing Melissa Ann’s Regaman it was apparent that she was going to have the upper hand and she would prevail.  Ok, let’s face it, she was in control. Persistency and determination certainly proved to be some of Melissa Ann’s strongest virtues. This went on to become one of Melissa Ann’s cutest, favorite, most talked about, and everlasting childhood stories. 

Melissa Ann’s work career mirrored into her mother’s footsteps. While working as an office manager for various dental practices, she enjoyed meeting the public; most of all enjoyed giving assistance and showing compassion to patients especially those in need of immediate resolution. 

Melissa Ann’s world was filled with many friends and family that loved her. She enjoyed hosting wonderful family gatherings and holidays. She loved reading novels and relaxing around the pool during trips to her Mom and Papa Jeff's home and while vacationing. Places of interest she vacationed at were Hawaii, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, European Cruises, Paris, Greece, Barcelona, Croatia, Sedona and  various other places. But nothing made her the most proudest and brought joy to her heart as when her grandson Alexander (Alex) Millan made her a Grandmother. The gleam in her eyes when her grandson came around spoke volumes about how proud she was of Alex, whom she deemed her Prince when he was nice and her Frog when he was mean. She loved watching him as he grew up to become such a fine little gentleman. She loved attending his sports activities and watching him excel in his every endeavor. One day at a family gathering, Alex demonstrated his talent in social dancing. Melissa Ann was overwhelmed just watching him. What a wonderful surprise! But then Melissa Ann herself enjoyed dancing so it shouldn’t have come as a  big surprise that Alex was out doing his movements. What a joy to watch she thought as she let out her most uncontrollable signature laugh. A double entertainment was featured that day. Guests didn’t know if to do a laughter of approval and appreciation towards Alex or laugh with Melissa Ann due to her signature laugh. Either way they were both definitely entertaining. 

Sometimes in life we encounter some of the most beautiful individuals that Our Dear Lord gives us the blessing and privilege of putting in our path. For this we remain ever grateful and our life’s become so fulfilling that we can honestly say that knowing these individuals have made such an impact in our every day life. Individuals such as these posses an abundance of love, compassion, strength, courage, integrity, understanding, motivation, endurance and warmth that not only brings outer beauty to their physical being but internally all these very strong virtues are altogether at work non-stop to build the most beautiful gift package, wrapped up to the highest of standards and is made readily available to be presented at a moments notice to those in need even when they least expect it. This appears to be the case in our family’s present situation. Our family would like to extend our most gracious, deepest and heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Loren and Kristina Perciante for the beautiful package of assistance, love, compassion and contributions they presented our family during our most desperate time of need. Loren and Kristina have been part of our family for many years. During happy times and sad times both have been so supportive that our family have proclaimed them as part of our family. We are so ready to sincerely claim both Loren and Kristina more as family members and we are so ready and willing to claim them as our brother and sister. We want to lift Loren and Kristina up in prayer for following up with God’s Calling and Will to 

facilitate the funeral arrangement process of our most beloved mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, niece and cousin. We pray that God will bless you abundantly in a very special way for all your generosity. Our family is truly experiencing the love and compassion you both have brought into our life’s. We love you both very much and our continued prayers will always be with you and your family. We love you both very much! 

Franklin and Downs, 1050 McHenry Avenue, Modesto, California 95350 209-529-5723 is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Services for Melissa Ann Zepeda will be held on Friday December 16, 2022 from 2:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.  Reception to be followed immediately at the Moose Lodge, 4713 West Main Street, Turlock, California. Bring your fondest memories of Melissa Ann for sharing. All are welcomed. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.