In loving memory of Melissa Sue Powell, born Melissa Sue Clark and formerly known as Melissa Sue Bell, and her beloved son, Riordan Wayne Powell, whose lives were tragically cut short on December 12, 2023 by the senseless actions of a speeding drunk driver. Melissa, 46, and Riordan, 16, were the heart and soul of their family, leaving behind a legacy characterized by love, strength, and a dedication to standing up for the rights of others. Their enduring impact lives on through their grieving yet loving family: Melissa’s husband and Riordan’s father, Ryan Powell; their sons and brothers, Christopher and Halen Powell; as well as Melissa’s mother (Nana to the boys), Margaret Potting, and step-father (Papa to the boys), Richard Potting. Together, they honor Melissa and Riordan’s memory, ensuring that their love, generosity, and warmth continue to inspire all those who knew them.
Melissa Powell, cherished by her husband, Ryan Powell, and deeply loved by her sons Christopher, Riordan, and Halen, embodied the heart of a devoted mother. Originally Melissa Sue Clark, her nurturing journey began with her protective role as an elder sister, evolving profoundly with the birth of Christopher. Early on, she embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, establishing a daycare to prioritize her young family’s needs. Amidst her nurturing endeavors, Melissa pursued a passion for writing, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English. Her poetry, infused with insights on motherhood, trauma, and compassion, touched many. As her children grew, Melissa extended her nurturing passion by becoming a cherished nanny and leading the pre-K faith education program at Jefferson Unitarian Church. Her evolution in these roles was paralleled by her recent proud achievement in obtaining a teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education; a testament to her lifelong dedication to the growth and well-being of young minds.
Riordan, Melissa and Ryan’s adored middle son, was a gentle soul with a curious and creative spirit. Embarking on life’s journey with the pronounced insights and sensitivities associated with being on the autism spectrum, he navigated challenges with a distinctive grace and resilience. His heartfelt engagement with the world, evident in his deep affection for animals, his creative expression through Team Fortress 2 parody videos, and his nascent interest in forensic science, framed a young man brimming with dreams and aspirations. His struggles were part of his journey, but they never defined him; instead, they underscored his incredible empathy, tenacity, and the unique way he saw the world.
Together, Melissa and Riordan were tireless advocates for LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities, dedicating their time, energy, and voices to championing equality, inclusivity, and the rights of those often overlooked by society. Their unwavering support for these causes stemmed from a profound belief in justice and the inherent worth of every individual, principles that guided their actions and interactions every day.
In a profound testament to her altruistic spirit and desire to contribute to human understanding, Melissa made the heartfelt decision to donate her body to the Forensic Investigation Research Station at Colorado Mesa University. Knowing Riordan’s supportive nature and his interest in forensic science, he would have been proud that he was able to join her in this final act of generosity. Melissa’s choice emanates from her profound appreciation for the wonders of biology and the human form, and an enduring passion for anthropological study. It highlights her deep desire to enhance educational possibilities and advance the field of forensic research, embodying her aspiration to inspire perpetual and positive transformation creating a lasting impact, even in death.
The family, grieving the indescribable loss of such beautiful lives, is comforted by the immense outpouring of love, memories, and support from those whose lives were touched by Melissa and Riordan’s kindness, laughter, and undaunted positivity. The family warmly invites friends, loved ones, and community members to join in celebrating the remarkable lives of Melissa and Riordan Powell at a service on March 30th at 2 pm at Jefferson Unitarian Church.
To honor their enduring spirit and commitment to advocacy, the family encourages contributions to causes close to Melissa and Riordan’s hearts, including autism awareness, LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, and support for the underrepresented and marginalized individuals in society.
Though their time with us was cut tragically short, Melissa and Riordan’s radiant light, defined by love, generosity, and a profound sense of humanity, will forever inspire and dwell within the hearts of those they’ve left behind. Their memory will stand as a beacon of hope and united purpose, urging us all to live fully, love deeply, and make meaningful contributions to the world in their honor, forever igniting the compassion they both so fully exemplified.
This is beautiful, I’m so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Riordan was Liam’s first friend at Stargate and helped him feel welcome. And I spent so many afternoons after school visiting with Melissa while the kids played on the playground. We are thankful to have been blessed by them.
This is beautiful and truly expresses the person Melissa was. I will miss you, your laughter, your kindness and your generosity. I have the memories from High School off hours and English class. I am sending the entire family all of my love and strength. Till we meet again my beautiful fried, Rest In Peace and harmony.
I loved being in the handbell choir that rang at Melissa and Ryan’s wedding and even after my move out-of-state, I continued to enjoy life updates from the couple via Facebook. Hugs and lots of love for the remaining family!
What beautiful words to describe an amazing woman. This message also makes me wish I had known Riordan. With my most heartfelt condolences, Amy Jackson, Director of The Academy Charter School Pre-K, where Melissa interned and later continued to volunteer.
We were blessed to have known her.
I’m so so sorry! I went to high school with Melissa!
God rest her beautiful soul and her son’s. They will be forever young together.
Such a beautiful tribute to lives well lived. Sending you all the warmth and love from across the miles.
Sending so much love to Melissa’s family. She was such a kind, bright soul. We reconnected years after high school when our families ran into each other one day at the aquarium. Loved getting to spend some time together with our boys.
My heart aches knowing I never had the chance to meet you. But from what I do know, I am certain you both were deeply loving people. In this house, the handmade gifts Melissa left behind for her nephew — a crocheted blanket and a personalized apron — are sacred. We carefully keep them on display as a reminder of the familial bonds that even death can’t break.
Rest well.
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately I never had the chance to meet them, but they clearly made a big difference to many lives in the time they were on Earth. My daughter, who is autistic and transgender, would’ve loved to have known Riorden and Melissa. Please know they you and they are in my heart and prayers.
I am still struggling to find the right words.
Last night I learned that Melissa and her son Riordan were taken far too soon in a DUI accident. Even though we had not spoken in decades, Melissa was one of the most important people in my early life. She was my first love, my first heartbreak, and someone who helped shape the person I was becoming.
Reading about the life she built, about her devotion to her children, her advocacy for others, her compassion and strength, none of which surprises me makes the worlds loss even heavier, now more than ever. That was always who Missy was at her core. She had a way of loving deeply and standing up fiercely for what mattered.
My heart aches for Ryan, for Christopher and Halen, for her parents Margaret and Rick and her brothers Mike and David (and families), plus everyone who was lucky enough to know her and Riordan. I can only imagine the depth of this loss. From everything I’ve learned, it is clear that Melissa and Ryan raised incredible sons and built a life centered on love and service. That legacy lives on in all of you.
Melissa and I shared dreams when we were young (Hutchinson and George Town). Time carried us in different directions, but I never stopped wishing her well. Knowing the woman she became and the lives she touched brings both sorrow and gratitude. Sorrow for what was lost. Gratitude that she lived so fully and loved so fiercely and taught above love and compassion for all.
May her and Riordan’s gentle, creative spirit and memories continue to guide and inspire everyone who carries them in their hearts.
With love and respect.