Melissa Ruth Billings

May 8, 1965 - January 26, 2020

Melissa Ruth Billings, born May 8, 1965, passed away the morning of Sunday, January 26, 2020. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Melissa is preceded in death by her father, Richard “Dick” Billings, and brother, Christopher Billings. She is survived by her large, loving, and often chaotic family, including her mother, Arlene, brothers Mike, Rick (Kim), and Jamie (Ruth), and sisters Wendy (Ron) Gulbis and Tammy (Bill) Adams. Melissa dedicated her life to providing child care to children around Grand Rapids, including her own nieces and nephews, giving love, swimming lessons, PB&Js, and the tightest, smoothest ponytails you ever did see to nieces Allison Billings, Amanda Adams, Lisa Billings, and Chelsea (Zach) Sheneman, and (sans ponytails) nephews Eric Gulbis, Zachary (Samantha) Billings, Ian Gulbis, and Alex (Katie) Billings, along with countless others. Melissa is also survived by great-nieces Claire and Isobel, and great-nephews Conlon, Tyler, and Asher, who will remember her as their “Sissa.” In a family of strong personalities and stronger opinions, Melissa created the center, a place for family parties, buffet-style lunches, and cakes for every birthday party. We will deeply miss the love and care she gave our children, and her innate ability to sass even the grumpiest of us into laughter. She taught us the value of a Melissa Minute (however long she decided,) and to never fall for, “C’mere and let me smack you.” Melissa also gave back to the community, training her German Shepard, Ranger, as a therapy dog and volunteering with veterans and students. Her other pets, black lab Louie, and cats Ed, Doulis, and Sheldon were all beloved by the children who spent their days in her home. Never one for sentimentality, we know Melissa would hate all this fuss, so rather than waxing poetic, we’ll just keep it simple: We love you. We’ll miss you. We’ll remember you. And from all your many kids: Thank you for helping to raise us. The funeral service will be held Thursday at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment Washington Park Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuary, 585 Stocking Ave NW. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to West Michigan Therapy Dogs P.O. Box 2533 Grand Rapids MI 49501, www.wmtd.org.