Melissa (Moe) Jane Ervin, age 70, of Richmond, IN, died peacefully at her home on July 21 surrounded by family, following a short battle with metastatic lung cancer. She was born on May 9, 1956, to David and JoAnn Johnson. She ran the halls of Richmond High School with her "West Side Girls" until she graduated in 1974.

Melissa was unapologetically herself. She danced to her own tune-which was often played very loudly with a Bud Light in hand. She was genuinely kind and forgiving. She was a friend to all and never met a stranger. She felt most at peace on a beach with salty water tickling her toes, but her inflatable pool in the driveway also provided a place of respite.

Most of all, she loved her family. She never missed a family cookout or holiday. Her kids and grandkids were her greatest accomplishment. She showed up every time with little trinkets, treats, or a bucket of chocolate chip cookies. She always connected with the littles because she was just a big kid herself. She was "Aunt Moe" or "2nd mama" to so many.

Melissa is preceded in death by her father, David Johnson; mother, Marjorie JoAnn Johnson; brother, Jim Johnson; and granddaughter, JoAnn Elizabeth (Joey) Lotfi.

Left behind to smile over all the memories are her son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Leah McFarland; daughter, Traci Lotfi; sister and brother-in-law, Mariann and Mike Allen; grandchildren, Marci McFarland, and MJ and Luna Lotfi; nephews, Chris Allen, Tony Allen, Michael Caskey, and Jamie Johnson; nieces, Farrah Caskey, Desi Allen, Toni Allen, Susanne Aylward, and Nicole Johnson; childhood besties, Christine Smith and Reva Sue Hartman; and her State Hospital girl gang.

Melissa always said she didn't want a sad, stuffy funeral-and we all know she would show up late anyway. She wanted a party. Family and friends are invited to her Celebration of Life... aka, "Moe Fest"... on Saturday, August 8th from 12-4 at Lotus Hall (2700 Peacock Rd., Richmond, IN). Leave your suits at home... it's time for flip flops, jean shorts, and band tees-and maybe a pink flamingo or two.

In lieu of flowers, do something to honor her sunshine spirit. Donate to an animal shelter, bake cookies with your kids or grandkids, go for a walk and pull up the weeds as you go by, or simply do something kind for another person.

Love like Moe.