It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of Melissa Ann Mayer on July 19, 2026 at the age of 47. Melissa was born June 29, 1979 in Kirksville, Missouri to Larry and Nancy (Mansell) Pew. She married the love of her life, Kip Mayer, on June 29, 2002. Melissa graduated from the University of Idaho and never stopped rooting for her Vandals.

Some people leave the world a little brighter simply because they were in it and Melissa was one of those people. She had a way of making people feel welcomed and loved. Her laugh was contagious, her heart was generous and her quick wit and sense of humor were felt in any room she entered.

Melissa loved cheering on her Raiders, playing card games, traveling, piano lessons, and her pug, Tiny Tim. But most of all, she loved her people. Melissa supported her children through countless activities, athletics, and life’s milestones. She was incredibly proud of both of them and cherished every chance to spend time together. Time with her husband was just as precious to her, whether they were debating politics or she was beating him at cribbage. They truly were soulmates and treasured the life they shared. Melissa never missed an opportunity to get together with friends–she remembered every birthday, anniversary, and life event and always made sure her people knew how much she cared.

Melissa took great pride in her career as a Business teacher and DECA advisor at Pullman High School, having won the Washington State Business & Marketing Outstanding Teacher of the Year award in 2024 and the Washington State Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year award in 2025. She loved and supported her students fiercely and touched many lives in her 15 year career.

Melissa leaves behind her beloved husband, Kip Mayer; her children, Autumn and her spouse Lilly, and Maxwell (Max); her parents, Nancy and Larry Pew; her nana, Ava Mansell; her brothers, Josh, Danny, and Stephen; her niece and nephew, Kamie and Karson; and many cousins and extended family members who loved her dearly. 

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bob and Carmine Pew and Bob Mansell.

The people who knew Melissa will carry her with them–in the stories they tell, the jokes she would have appreciated, and the memories that will continue to bring comfort to those who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you contribute to a scholarship fund in Melissa’s honor. Donations can be made at pullmaneducationfoundation.org or checks can be mailed to Pullman Education Foundation, Attn: Melissa Mayer Scholarship Fund, PO Box 151, Pullman, WA 99163.