Melissa Colene Zaja, 43, Left this world 9 November 2012 to get her wings. She was born in Yuma, AZ though her primary years were spent in Bard, CA. She graduated Yuma High Criminal Class of 1987, earned her Associates from Arizona Western College, and received her Bachelors in Early Education from Northern Arizona University in 2012.
Melissa was well known throughout the Yuma community, establishing Kelland's Kiddie College in 1996, she seemed to know everyone and have something to do with most child related goings on, whether it had been Toastmasters through the years, The Week of the Young Child. The 4H program, Yuma County AEYC, and even had a chance to help coach youth soccer with the YYSA, Band Mom, Cheer Mom, Rollie PTO President and numerous chairs through the years, adopted Mom and second Mom to too many to list.
She was preceded in death by her Father Darrell R. Bennett, Brother Edward Lee, and Dennis Ray, Grandparents Elsie Moris, Herbert and Florence Bennett. She is survived by her mother, Karen C. Bennett, aunt Ella Sansom, brother Darrell K Bennett (wife Esperanza), husband Jeff Zaja, children Hope and Clay Kelland, Jackie (Royce) McKie, and Alexis Zaja, grandson (yet to hold) Ryen Anthony McKie, nieces and nephews: Alfredo Santamaria (Melissa), Burton Bennett, Vianney and Viri Fuentes-Perezalong, with numerous Aunt's, Uncle's, and Cousin's.
To Our Beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, and Friend to all it seemed alike. She was always there to lend a hand. Though your life was shortened by way to many years, your memory, strength, and always happy smile will stay strong until we meet again. There is no friendship, no love, like that of the love between a parent and a child or a brother and a sister.
A Celebration of Life in Melissa's honor will be held at the American Legion 2575 South Virginia Drive Yuma, AZ on Saturday 17 November 2012 from 4 to 9 pm. With it getting close to the holidays, her husband found it fitting to share a meal with friends one last time, as she loved to cook and bake. Johnson's Mortuary will be handling the Cremation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 23, 2012
Danielle Townsend
Melissa was a fabulous friend and Miltary sister. She will be very missed. My heart and prayers go out to Jeff and her family!
November 20, 2012
sara farmer
I worked for Melissa for a couple years and used to babysit for her. She touched many lives and will never be forgotten. Gone way too soon.
November 19, 2012
Montana
Our deepest condolences to teh entire family. Melissa you will be deeply missed. It was a pleasure to know you on both a personal and professional level. Yuma has lost a true treasure, but heaven has gained one. You are a true angel. Rest In Peace my friend...God Bless!
Montana Family
November 19, 2012
My three children went Kellands kiddie college... It was a great place for kids.. Melissa was a beautiful woman inside and out.. My prayers go out to the family.. God bless you all.. Mandy Grant,Kaitlyn,Diego,Dominic
November 18, 2012
melissa im so sad you are gone! you were my savior when i had to go to work and you helped me with austin!! i will never forget you for that!! i know now life is way too short!!! i love you so much!!!!
November 18, 2012
Rose Fernandez
My deepest condolences to Melissa's family especially Karen Bennett. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless your family. May God comfort your family during this most difficult time.
November 18, 2012
Darrell Felsburg
THANK YOU GOD FOR THE TIME YOU GAVE JEFF WITH MELISSA. EVERYDAY WAS A BLESSING TO HIM.
November 18, 2012
Stefanie (Hartley) Vogt
R.I.P. Lisa, my friend from high school. I will remember our fun times and your smile. Gone way too soon. So sad.
November 18, 2012
This is so sad. She was so young. I will remember our happy times in high school. R.I.P. Lisa!! xoxo
November 18, 2012
Penny Cramer
I was shocked to hear about your loss. I remember Melissa from high school, and last time I saw her, she was still so happy and always remember her smiling. God bless and comfort you during this time.
November 18, 2012
Shaun Lawrence
Jeff, sorry for loss our prayers and thoughts to you and your family. Shaun, Julie and Mia Lawrence
November 18, 2012
Noel May
R.I.P. my friend!
November 18, 2012
Nellie Barksdale
Melissa a friend I will never forget. I was lucky to know her and enjoyed our trainings and fun trips. My heart goes out to Jeff and family. If I can help you in any way please let me know.
November 17, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of your leaving. We only knew you for a short time and really enjoyed your happy spirit and beautiful smile. Words cannot express the feelings we have for you and your loved ones. Some day we will all meet again.
With love.
Steve & Angie Smith
November 17, 2012
Kimberly Salinas
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
November 17, 2012
Marty Cantrell
Our Community and Child Care Families will truly miss u very much. God Bless Your Family
November 17, 2012
Mark and Shelli Wojtusiak
There are so many words to describe Melissa, we could be here forever....short version she was a GREAT person. She will be greatly missed.
November 16, 2012
Mader Family
Mrs Melissa touched many lives and she deeply influenced many. She was there for my children at the center and there for me to offer advice, encouragement, and help when needed. Mrs Melissa had a way with my boys unlike any other. We all will miss her very much. She impacted many lives and those are memories we will treasure forever.
November 16, 2012
Paul Steinhoff
Mellissa, I spoke with you several times on business calls as a part of my job at Lowe's. Once I found out that you were Jeff's wife and a relation to Carleen, we had some really funny talks. I only got to meet you maybe 2-3 times, but you were always so kind. I am so sorry that God chose to take you from your family so soon, but he must have had other plans for you. Know that your family and many friends miss you very much.
November 16, 2012
The Campa,Salinas Family
As we know her in our home as Mrs. Melissa, she cared for my to precious children as if they were her own, she directed us,and guided us to insure my son gets recognized and assisted in help within the school before it was dismissed or missed. And forever we will be grateful. She never judge but loved with her full heart. And she will be missed truthfully
November 16, 2012
Rodney ,Skylar & Zachery (Mr. Talks alot) Stultz
Lisa B my friend of almost 30 years! More like my little sister. You will be missed greatly!
November 16, 2012
Sandy Garrison
Melissa's care and concern for all children is an example for all of us. She will be dearly missed! My thoughts and prayer go to her dear family.
November 16, 2012
Rusty Tyndall
The Gila Vista family would like to offer its deepest sympathies to the family of a remarkable lady. Our memories of Melissa will resonate with the tremendous spirit and character that she demonstrated to all that she encountered. We have had the pleasure of knowing Hope and Clay and pray that your mother's positive impact on others will continue to guide your lives. You are in our thoughts and our prayers.
November 16, 2012
Melissa was a wonderful blessing in my life. We had the opportunity to sit together during many 4H meetings, shows, and auctions. She truly loved her children and every child she was in contact with daily. I will miss her terribly. My love and prayers go out to her family during this time. Another angel has entered heaven.
November 16, 2012
Daniels Family
Our hearts and prayers go out to Jeff and the Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Melissa was a sweet and kind person who will be missed. She is a Angel looking over now and will remain in our heart and prayers.
November 16, 2012
Debbie Vega
Prayers for strength and peace to Hope, Clay, Jackie, Alexis, Jeff, and the many others who loved Melissa. My son is one of the many who looked at Melissa as a second mom. She was truly an amazing woman and my family and I are blessed to have known her. Rest in peace, Melissa. You will be missed...
November 16, 2012
Evonne Estes
Melissa was always there for the preschoolers! She participated in Cradle to Kinder which later became First Thing First to aid the little ones locally and across the state. She and her advocacy will be greatly missed. My personal condolences to the family for Melissa becoming a heavenly angel way too soon.
November 16, 2012
June Wolfe
A beautiful lady, gone too soon. For 16 years, Melissa graced my life. Vincent went to Kelland's in 1996 at age 2 1/2, then Alex, then Curtis. Our friendship is a treasure. My prayers are for strength for the children and for all. Now Vince and Melissa and so many other angels watch over us daily.
November 16, 2012
DeForest Family
We are deeply saddened to hear about Melissa. We have known her for a long time. She was a wonderful women-Friend, Mother, Wife, Daughter and Sister. She touched many lives and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. The DeForest Family
November 16, 2012
Maria Moran
Melissa was an exceptional person with a big heart my girls were always looking forward to going to school to be with you. You will always remain in our heart. May you rest in peace.
November 16, 2012
Ericka Sales
My deepest condolenses to Melissa's family.....she will truly be missed!!!! I am very gratefull for what she has done for me & my son.....RIP & may God bless her family & give them strengh through these hard times<3
November 16, 2012
Clayton Hasty
Your life was way to short and you will forever be "one of the boys""
November 16, 2012
Ray Browning
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss, and I am praying for your family during this difficult chapter in your lives.
November 16, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Melissa in high school and reconnecting with her in 4-H with Gila Barn Busters. She was always willing to lend a hand where ever needed. Hope, Clay and Alexis....stay strong and remember your momma was a kind, loving, devoted woman. She loved you all so much. You will always have her in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Valerie Phipps, Adam and Joshua Herrera
November 16, 2012
Shirley Tuffly
Melissa touched so many people in her short life here on earth. Her loyalty to family, friends, and community was unmatched and her caring was limitless. Her beautiful smile blessed many. My heartfelt love and prayers go to her family.
November 16, 2012
Maria Relph
RIP Dear friend. You will be in our hearts always.
November 16, 2012
Carla Wolfe
I have known Melissa for years. A woman taken away way too soon. Prayers to the family and especially her children at this time. May you all find strength in your memories. RIP Melissa.
November 16, 2012
Todd
I was truly shocked when I was told about this. Melissa & friends would gather for our Christmas Eve cheer at Applebees. I will truly miss those times. The Zaja has condolences.
November 15, 2012
Mr. & Mrs Wright
We are sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers. We hope may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Mr. & Mrs. Wright
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