Melissa Rose (Hoying) McEldowney,

Age 59, of Piqua, passed away peacefully of natural causes late Friday evening, August 14, 2026, at Garbry Ridge in Piqua, Ohio, where she had been a resident for three years.  She was born April 27, 1967, in Sidney, Ohio, to the late Celestine “Bud” & Doris (Monnin) Hoying.  Melissa is survived by one daughter, Stephany & Kohl Banas of Covington, KY, with one grandson on the way; three siblings: Mary & Ken Barhorst of Fort Loramie, Catherine & Jeff Clark of Corning, NY and Jason & Amy Hoying of Fort Loramie; several nieces and nephews: Justin & Hannah, Nathan & Danielle, Derek & Kimi, and Jarid Barhorst; Grace and Olivia Clark as well as numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.

Melissa was a 1985 graduate of Fort Loramie High School.  She then acquired an associate’s degree in legal/clerical studies at Edison State Community College in Piqua.  Years ago, Melissa had been employed at the Shelby County Court House in Sidney.  Melissa was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Piqua where she had been a frequent visitor of the Adoration Chapel.  She was also active in the bell choir, mom’s group and had been a Piqua Catholic Schools, library and cafeteria volunteer.  Melissa enjoyed spending time with her family, walks in the park and conversing with new acquaintances.  She had always been a willing volunteer wherever help was needed.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Piqua with Rev. Jacob Schmiesing presiding.  Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in Fort Loramie.  Family and friends may call Tuesday, 3:00 to 7:00 PM and Wednesday, 9:00 to 9:30 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie.  Memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or Day City Hospice.  Private condolences may be expressed at the www.gehretfuneralhome.com website.