Obituary

Melissa “Missy” Keller Estep, 58, of Cross Lanes, West Virginia, gained her wings on July 3, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with illnesses.

Missy’s life was a testament to the power of love. Her story showed that family is not only defined by how we begin life, but by the people who choose to love us, stand beside us, and help shape who we become.

Missy was born on July 23, 1967, in Charleston, West Virginia, to her birth parents, Sedia Jo and Runt. She was later lovingly adopted by Sybil and John. During her teenage years, Missy became part of the Rumbaugh family through foster care. Sandy and Vick Rumbaugh welcomed her into their home, and what began as foster care grew into a lifelong bond of unconditional love. Sandy became a mother to Missy and remained one of the most important people in her life.

Missy graduated from St. Albans High School. She later worked at West Virginia State College, where she met Louis Estep and they shared 34 years of marriage. She also worked as a youth counselor at Patchwork in Charleston. Because Missy had faced challenges of her own when she was younger, she had a special understanding and compassion for teens who were struggling. She knew what it felt like to need someone who cared, and she loved being able to offer encouragement, support, and hope to young people who needed it most.

Anyone who knew Missy knew she had a personality you couldn’t forget. She was stubborn, funny, caring, and incredibly friendly. She never met a stranger and loved to talk. Whether it was a quick conversation or hours spent on the phone, she treasured those moments connecting with the people she loved. Her laughter, stories, advice, and the sound of her voice are memories her family will hold close forever.

Above all else, Missy loved her family. She was a devoted mother and a proud Mawmaw Missy to her grandchildren. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world, and she found her greatest joy in loving them and making memories together.

Some of Missy’s happiest memories were made surrounded by the people she loved. She enjoyed swimming, spending time with her family, and visiting Camden Park. The tradition of going to Camden Park began in her childhood and she proudly carried that tradition on with her own children and grandchildren. Christmas mornings were also among her favorite memories. Watching her children and grandchildren open their gifts, seeing their excitement and smiles, brought her so much happiness.

Missy had a special love for animals, especially dogs. Her beloved dog, Taz, was by her side throughout the final six years of her life, bringing her comfort, companionship, and unconditional love. She also enjoyed collecting knives and took great pride in her collection.

Missy’s faith in Jesus was an important part of who she was. Through every joy and every hardship, she found strength, hope, and comfort in her faith.

She was preceded in death by her birth parents, Sedia Jo and Runt; her adoptive parents, Sybil and John; her brothers, Butch and Danny; her foster father, Vick Rumbaugh; and her foster brother, Warren Rumbaugh.

She is survived by her daughters, Cassie Estep and Kaila Estep; her beloved grandchildren, Leiah, Ana, Emma, Paislee, Benjie, and Karson; Sandy Rumbaugh, who loved her as a daughter; her sister, Ann; her nieces, Kristina, Tiffany, and Miranda, Missy Hall, Tonya, Franny; her nephew, Danny Lee; Louis Estep; her beloved dog, Taz; and many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV.

Visitation will begin one hour prior at the funeral home.

In honor of Missy, her family invites those attending to wear purple or tie-dye, two things that reflect her unique spirit and personality.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Missy’s memory to the Charleston Animal Shelter or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, two causes that reflect her love for animals and her caring heart.

Missy’s legacy is one of love, laughter, faith, resilience, and devotion to her family. We will forever miss her voice, her laughter, her long conversations, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing she is at peace in the presence of the Jesus she loved so dearly.

**Forever our Mawmaw Missy.**

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.