The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Melissa Mae Harting, 44, of Waitsburg, Washington, passed away suddenly on October 4, 2023 at her home. Melissa was born in Walla Walla, WA, on January 10, 1979, to Ronald (Frog) Harting and Anne Hubbard.

Melissa attended school in Waitsburg and Dayton in her earlier years, which ultimately led to her love for the surrounding rural communities. She was also a Waitsburg Days of Real Sport Princess in 1995 and spent a lot of her time raising and showing farm animals. In 2005, Melissa found her forever partner, Bryce Struckmeier, and commenced the most important role of her life; that of a mother. Together, they raised two children, Peyton and Rylan Struckmeier. While raising her children, she acquired many roles throughout the community, including, but not limited to, coaching her children's sports teams, tirelessly leading Waitsburg Roots to Boots 4-H Club, and working in the Emergency room at Providence. She began her long-time career at Providence St. Mary Medical Center, starting out as a Certified Nursing Assistant and later moved into an Emergency Technician role. In 2018, she was accepted into Walla Walla Community College Nursing Program, where she graduated and obtained her Registered Nurse licensure in 2020.

Although Melissa worked full-time as an ER Nurse, she continuously made it her priority supporting her children at their local sporting events. She could be heard cheering loudly from the stands or pacing back and forth around the arena. Melissa was always up for an adventure. She loved hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting in the mountains at her favorite spots, as well as mountain drives. This also included everything that involved time with her friends and family. Everyone who knew Melissa knew she loved her country, the American Flag, and had the utmost respect for our country's military veterans. Melissa brought humor, passion, and a sense of fun to everyone's lives. Her presence will be genuinely missed.

Melissa is survived by her significant other, Bryce Struckmeier, children Peyton and Rylan Struckmeier, her parents Ronald and Oma Harting, all of Waitsburg, WA, and Anne O'Neil of Walla Walla, WA; her siblings include Angela (Wally) Powers (daughter Anna) of Tacoma, WA, George (Jolie) Porter of Potlatch, ID (several children), and Delbert (Misty) Porter of Colfax, WA (children Dannelle, Elizabeth, and Tyler), brother and sister-in-laws Brody (Janean) Struckmeier (children Carl Jr., Hailey and Alex) of Waitsburg, WA, Brian Struckmeier of Walla Walla, WA; Father & Mother-in-law Earl & Jill Struckmeier of Waitsburg, WA. Survivors also include countless family and friends. The only friend Melissa didn't have was the one she hadn't met.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Melissa Harting on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 11:00 AM in the Don Thomas Building at the Waitsburg Fairgrounds. Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to Peyton & Rylan Struckmeier, P.O. Box 542, Waitsburg, WA 99361 A trust fund will be set up at a later date.