Melissa Slusher

Melissa Slusher was freed from her body on September 14, 2025.

Melissa is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Bruce. As soon as Melissa and Bruce met, they were inseparable. Together, they faced the horrors and pleasures of this world head-on, arm in arm, united. Married for over 45 years, Melissa and Bruce loved each other fiercely and, true to form, held hands and were at each other’s side until the very end. Love stories come in all shapes and varieties, and theirs is one for the romantics—honest, resilient, loyal, enduring, fun, and true. 

With her razor-sharp intellect, intense work ethic, and overall brilliance, Melissa worked a variety of positions at the Texas Department of Insurance. Revered at work and highly respected for her proficiency and attention to detail, Melissa made many friends among her co-workers, often perusing through the floors of the building, knowing each person’s name as well as a personal anecdote about them.

Melissa loved to save money. “Do you have a coupon for this?” was uttered in the house more times than anyone could count. If an item wasn’t on sale or deemed a good deal—forget it! Even if an item was a great deal, Melissa would often remind us, “Sometimes you can’t afford to save so much.”

A well-known fact about Melissa is that she didn’t suffer fools – a valuable and time-honored trait she graciously passed down to her daughter and granddaughter. With her voracious vocabulary, sharp wit, and astute prowess to accurately assess any situation, she was someone you wanted on your side.

Melissa enjoyed many things, including movies, having her hair brushed, Three Dog Night, laughing uncontrollably, Sam Elliott (particularly his role in the 1976 film Lifeguard), sweets of most any kind, days at the beach, dogs, road trips, sleeping in, and her great love, the San Antonio Spurs. 

Melissa had one daughter, Sarah. When asked if she wanted other children, Melissa confidently stated, “I stopped when I got it right.” The daughter of two educators, Melissa was a teacher herself, instructing Sarah in the timeless art of writing a scathing letter, eviscerating one’s detractors with a single glance, the artistry of Elvis Presley, and the important life skill of folding a towel correctly. She was proud of Sarah and approved of her life choices, especially when it came to her beloved son-in-law, Derek, whom she adored.

Melissa was known as Nana to her two grandchildren, Annabelle and Townsend. Ask her grandkids, and they’ll tell you that despite her outwardly tough exterior, their Nana was a sweet and caring person. Nana spent countless hours with her grandchildren and took extra care to know and understand their loves and special interests, even listening to Five Nights at Freddy’s songs while barreling down the highway. She loved spending time with her grandkids and attributed much of her continued health and vigor to “her babies.”

Tremendous and heartfelt thanks go to the truly exceptional healthcare providers who championed Melissa’s needs, including Ricardo Ojeda, Nina Nielson, Sherri Ferney, Anne Conwell, Merilyn Hanson, and Dr. Jon Prulhiere, Dr. Frederick Vincent, and Dr. Leighton Carl. 

Thank you to the nurses at Providence St. Vincent’s ICU, as well as Dr. Devon Millet and Dr. Ryan Best, who provided excellent care for Melissa and created a peaceful and compassionate environment during her escape. 

Melissa is impossible to sum up in one page. She was truly a marvel, surviving Multiple Sclerosis for over thirty-five years. Melissa’s life was important. She was important. Melissa Slusher mattered, and we loved her and will miss her forever. 

Melissa lived a vibrant, brave, and beautiful life. She was steadfast in her path, and we’re lucky to have been a part of it. 

Melissa, we miss you, we love you, and GO SPURS GO!