Melissa Palen

Melissa Ann (Hoffman) Palen was born September 2, 1971, to Kenley and Linda (Jay) Hoffman.

She was the youngest of three children of this union. She passed suddenly from this life on March 14, 2024, peacefully in her home.

Melissa grew up on the family farm north of Tipton and did not venture very far from home for much of her life. She was a farm girl through and through, and she was never afraid to get dirty or jump in and do what needed to be done. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, be it camping, fishing, or working on the farm. Most of all, she loved her family. Her grandkids were the most important thing in Melissa's life, and she constantly went above and beyond for them. If Melissa was not at home, it was safe to assume she was at one of the grandkids' events.

Along with being an amazing mom and grandma, Melissa was a great friend. She enjoyed being a part of the "Fabulous 5," which includes her classmates Stephanie, Jenny, Julie, and Sharon. She loved spending time with them creating a lifetime of colorful memories, and she was very thankful to have a strong support system in them.

Melissa was lucky to find love twice during her life. She was wed to Wade Lyle on July 18, 1992 and they were blessed with their daughter, Chantell, on November 21, 1992. After Wade's tragic passing in July of 1995, Melissa continued to raise her daughter and eventually helped raise her oldest grandson, Kale, for a time. Thankfully, the stars aligned and she was able to rekindle an old love with Brian Palen; they were wed on August 2, 2014. She was thankful to have Brian back in her life, and they were blessed with another grandson, Kaden, and two granddaughters, Kinsley and Kamryn. After Brian's passing in October of 2022, Melissa poured her love into her family, friends, and her dogs, Miley and Abby.

Melissa is preceded in death by her husbands, Wade Lyle and Brian Palen.

Melissa is survived by her parents, Kenley and Linda Hoffman of Salina; her daughter Chantell Wessling and her husband, Josh, and their two boys Kale and Kaden of Beloit; stepdaughter Kaitlyn Lawrence and husband James, their children Kinsley, Kamryn, and Bentley of Stephenville, Texas; her siblings, Kevin (Lisa) Hoffman of Salina, and Tricia (Michael) Fry of Salina; her nieces and nephews; and many friends and extended family.

Memorial services will be at 10 AM Friday, March 22 at the Roberts Family Funeral Home followed by burial in Glenwood Cemetery in Glen Elder, & a lunch in Tipton in which everyone is invited. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM, with family present from 5-6 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Cremation has taken place. Memorials may be given to her Grandsons' Education Fund.