Melissa K. Blood
Lansing, Michigan
Born January 31, 1977, in Lansing, Michigan, daughter of Steven and Loretta (Pitchford) Blood, passed away April 2, 2025, at the age of 48.
Surviving are her daughter, Alexandra (Justen Knight) Johnson; husband, Mauricio Martinez; Mother, Loretta Romanczuk; brother, Christopher Blood; sisters, Lori (Robert) Casler, Stephanie (Dave) Brown, and Michelle Blood; nieces and nephews, Ariel Sybert, Steven Sybert, Ava Casler, Summer Shaw, Patrick Shaw, Stephen Shaw, and Willow Blood; Uncles, Art Pitchford and Nathan Pitchford; Aunt, Ann Pitchford; and her father-in-law, Jose Martinez.
Melissa was preceded in death by her Father, Steven Blood; Uncle, Phillip Pitchford; Paternal Grandmother, Margaret Blood; Maternal Grandmother, Roseanne Pitchford; and her Mother-in-Law, Sanjuanita Martinez.
Melissa graduated from Fulton High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Michigan State University. While attending MSU she worked at an East Lansing Nursing Home. Following graduation Melissa worked for the Mid-Michigan Guardianship Agency for many years and most recently she worked for the Lansing Area AIDS Network. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lansing. Melissa had a huge heart and actively looked for ways to help people in any way she could. She was a strong, Independent woman who was not afraid to get her hands dirty. She earned a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and was a former State Champion. Melissa began running cross country in Middle School, which was the start of her being an avid life-long runner. She ran numerous half-marathons and countless 5k’s. She enjoyed the outdoors, camping (not glamping), gardening, and traveling, especially taking cruises.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 W. Ottawa St., Lansing, MI 48933. The family will receive guests at the Church on Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m. until service time at 10:00 a.m. Those who wish may make memorial contributions, in memory of Melissa, to the Lansing Area AIDS Network (LAAN).
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
7 Messages to “Melissa K. Blood”
Print MessagesPlease Sign The Guestbook
Ken and Deb Hoyt
April 4, 2025 at 5:17 pmWe are so sorry for the loss of Melissa. May the families many cherished memories comfort them during this difficult time.
Leslie DeWitt
April 4, 2025 at 5:32 pmI am really sorry to hear this news. I haven’t seen Melissa in a really long time but when I did see her she always had a smile on her face. Sending love and prayers to the family. Rest easy Melissa
Wes Anderson
April 4, 2025 at 10:21 pmRest in peace, Melissa. You have touched many lives, as you were always there for the community.
May cherished memories bring comfort.
Love,
Wes Anderson
Dena Minarik
April 5, 2025 at 8:37 amSadly missed, may God comfort her family. Someday soon we’ll all be home permanently and then where is the sting of death. It will not ever take another loved one away.
Chrystal Price
April 5, 2025 at 11:07 amThis makes me so sad. I just knew Melissa was going to pull through and make it. Melissa and I hadn’t spoken in many years but your family was always a second family to me. I am so sorry.
Charles Lyons
April 5, 2025 at 5:11 pmOur thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. Wish we could be there to share in the loss.
Nicole Dingwell Frendt
April 15, 2025 at 10:04 amYour service is most appreciated Melissa, you were one of the best advocates I know. I will miss touching base. My love and thoughts to all of the family. She was amazing.