Melissa Ann "Missy" Henricks

On December 2nd, 2025, the Lord welcomed one of His angels home to Heaven, following a long and bravely fought battle with cancer. During her battle, Melissa faced each new challenge with strength and courage until the very end. Melissa will forever be cherished and remembered.

Melissa, who always went by “Missy” was born on June 3, 1974, in Casper, Wyoming, to Jon Arellano and Sylvia Pierce. No matter where she roamed, Casper was always the place she considered home. It is where she had her four children, a daughter and three sons, John, Sammy, and Dalton Mendoza.

Missy married Sam Mendoza, the father of Sammy, John, Dalton, and their daughter. Together, they built a wonderful life and shared a couple years working side by side in construction. Before later divorcing.

Missy loved traveling, exploring nature, singing, dancing, karaoke, fishing, and spending time outdoors. She also had a special love for dolphins and enjoyed collecting dolphin figurines. Above all, she treasured every moment she could spend with her grandchildren. For her, grandchildren were the blessing you received from motherhood.

Missy always had a caregiver’s heart, and so she happily worked at Shepherd of the Valley for several years before spending time on the road with David Henricks, hauling flatbed loads and working as a pilot-car driver. The two married. Although they eventually divorced, they remained connected through family and continued to support one another, helping to raise his two boys, Ozzman Henricks and David Henricks Jr. even after the divorce.

Missy was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. She is survived by her brothers, George Arellano and John Arellano; her children, John, Sammy, and Dalton Mendoza; her stepchildren, Ozzman, David Jr., Harley (Christian Wright) Henricks, and Brian Williams; her nieces, Audrey and Georgina; her grandchildren from Dalton—Sora, Braxton, and Daylyn; her grandchild from David Jr.—Edward; and her grandchild from Harley(Christian)—Lilly; along with many other beloved family members. Melissa was a woman of deep faith. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Dear Lord, today we honor Melissa’s life and the joy she brought into this world. Thank you for every memory, every smile, and every moment she shared. As she begins her eternal journey with you, let her light continue to guide and inspire us. May we find comfort in knowing she rests in your loving arms. Amen.

Per her request, she will be cremated, and her ashes will be placed and spread with her father’s in New Mexico, and a memorial service will take place at a later date.

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