Melissa Kaye Henley

Melissa Kaye Henley, 51, of Chester, PA, departed this life on the 7th day of February, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and twenty, following a recent illness.  She was the wife of William C. Henley II for over thirty years.  Born in Lancaster, PA, she was the daughter of Samuel R. Kauffman and the late Ruth E. Harris Kauffman.  She was the stepdaughter of Carol Stoltzfus Kauffman.
 

Melissa grew up in West Fallowfield Township where she developed an avid love for animals.  She enjoyed spending time on the farm of her late grandparents, Charles M. and Christine Harris.  She was a 1987 graduate from Octorara High School.

Following graduation, she enlisted in the United States Army Reserve where she served as a dietitian and shot expert. Melissa was married on February 14, 1989, to William II and on July 17, 1989, gave birth to her son, William C. Henley III.  She treasured her son and shared a unique bond with him.

In December 1990, she was called to active duty and proudly served her country in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  Afterward, she was awarded two Bronze Stars and the Southwest Asia Defense Medal.

IN 1994, Melissa and her family relocated to Englewood, FL, and spent 19 years enjoying boating, golfing and beaches.

In 2005, she moved to Ft. Laramie, WY, where she and her husband owned ranch land and a log cabin and in 2007 returned to Chester County and semi-retired due to a debilitating illness.

Melissa worked most of her civilian life as a certified nursing assistant with Grayhawk Home Health Care in Eddystone, PA,  specializing in the care of the elderly with Alzheimer's and dementia issues.  She took great satisfaction in helping those who could not care for themselves.

She belonged to the Chester County 4H, the League of Women Voters, and the Chester City Democratic Women's Club.  She served as a committeewoman for West Fallowfield and as Minority Inspector for West Fallowfield Board of Elections.

Melissa will be remembered as a sweet, fun-loving person who celebrated life to the fullest.

She is survived by her husband, William C. Henley II and her son, William C. Henley III both of Chester, PA, her father Samuel R. and wife, Carol, of Gordonville, PA, siblings JoAnne Smith and husband, Kevin, of Christiana, and Barbara Fisher and husband, Kevin, of Christiana.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Friday, February 14, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. from the Wilde Funeral Home, Parkesburg, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Chester County Humane Society, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA, 19380