Mellissa Starr Oergel

Mellissa Starr Oergel, 47, of West Alexander, passed away on April 19, 2026, at Washington Hospital with her loving family surrounding her.

She was born on August 24, 1978, the daughter of Dale and Veronica Ritchea. She was a proud graduate of McGuffey High School, Class of 1997, and furthered her education at Western Area Career and Technology Center, where she studied nursing.

Mellissa dedicated over 25 years of her life working as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Throughout her career, she served with compassion and commitment at ManorCare, Presbyterian SeniorCare Southmont, and WeCare. She had a gift of caring for others and made a lasting impact on the many lives she touched.

She was known for her adventurous spirit and vibrant personality, often seen as a thrill-seeker and a daredevil. Mellissa enjoyed riding bikes, crafting, crocheting, traveling, derbies, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Mellissa will be remembered as a resilient go-getter, passionate caregiver, and wild child.

She is survived by her parents, Dale and Veronica Ritchea; her children, Michael and Matthew Boyd, Brooke White, and Kaia (Joe) Montgomery; her siblings, Maryellen (Kenny) Wheeler, Barbara (Bj) Ritchea; grandchildren, Ariella Coburn, Kohda Montgomery, and Hannah Montgomery; and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her cousins Kelly Keaveney, Jim Carr, Butch Debolt, and Jeffery Debolt; grandmothers Mary Jane Liss (Edmond) and Marge Peyton; grandfather Ralph Willard Oergel; aunts Rose  Debolt and Helen Ohler; and granddaughters Anastasia Montgomery and Madelynn Coburn.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Young Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 219 Main Street, Claysville, PA 15323. (724) 663-7373 www.youngfhinc.com. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Bruce Graff officiating.

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