Melissa Ann Griesedieck Kotson, 74, of Belmont, Ohio, died Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Wheeling Hospital.

She was born on April 15, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, a daughter of the late Laura Stith Griesedieck and Robert Griesedieck.

Melissa was a retired Speech Therapist having worked in both the Belmont and Marshall County School systems. She was an avid member of St. John's Catholic Church in Bellaire, former Sacred Heart in Neffs, the Catholic Women's Club, and the Belmont County Right to Life organization. Melissa loved her family dearly and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by an infant son, Thomas Kotson.

Melissa is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Michael Kotson; three children, Joseph "Jay" (Amy) Kotson, Laura (Jeff) Forelli, and Evangeline (Jaime) Kotson; two grandchildren, Adam Kotson and Vanessa Forelli; four sisters, Mimsie Coleman, Pamelah Oakey, Cisci Deschaine, and Gaye Griesedieck; two brothers, Robert, and Christopher Griesedieck.

Family and Friends will be received on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville, Ohio with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m.

Visitation will again be held on Saturday at St. John's Catholic Church in Bellaire, Ohio from 9 a.m. until time of Funeral Liturgy with Mass at 10 a.m. with Fr. Daniel Heusel as the Celebrant. Burial will follow in Glencoe Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. John's Catholic Church.