Melisa M. Chrest, 49, formerly of Washburn, ND, died June 9, 2024 at Sanford Health Bismarck, ND.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 at First Lutheran Church, Washburn with Pastor Paul Krueger officiating.  Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery.  There will be a visitation held on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 5pm to 7pm at the church in Washburn.

Melisa was born on July 8, 1974 in Bismarck, ND, the daughter of WM. Bruce & Shirley (Skiba) van Oosting.  She was raised and educated in Center where she graduated from High School in 1992.  She received many FFA awards while in school.  She attended the National American University in Rapid City, SD where she graduated as a vet tech.  She moved back to North Dakota and married Dan Chrest, they lived in Washburn where Melisa worked for Washburn Insurance Agency, Washburn Public School and most recently the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center.  Melisa moved to Bismarck where she enjoyed working with the Haunted Fort at Ft. Lincoln.

Melisa enjoyed reading, camping, walking and she especially loved Halloween and anything related to Halloween.  She loved spending time in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  Guinea Pigs and her dog Kady were among her most favorites.  Melisa fought hard throughout her illness and her courage was unending.

Melisa is survived by her son, James of Washburn; daughter, Hannah of Dickinson; special friend, Kyle Yanish of Mandan; her dad, Bruce van Oosting of Hensler; her brother, Bill (Desiree) van Oosting of New Salem and a half-brother, Baron van Oosting of Hensler.

She was preceded in death by her mother and a half-sister in infancy.