Melissa “Missy” Ann Peckham died Saturday, March 6, after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 53.

Missy was born in Grand Rapids on Feb. 17, 1968, and grew up in the Wayland and Byron Center communities. She married Robert “Bob” Peckham in Cedar Springs in July 1987. They later welcomed their two sons, James and Sean Peckham.

Missy spent her adult years investing her work ethic and love for adventure and athleticism into her two sons and grandchildren. When she was not dedicating time to her job she loved, you’d often find her under the Friday night lights or Saturday morning meets with a camera in her hand supporting her sons, later her grandkids at sporting events, taking them on new outdoor adventures or simply having craft days with them.

Missy joined Bible Study with her Mom and fellowship on Sundays. Missy loved to take her trials to the race, she developed a love and passion for running and involved her family as well. It later became a family activity to travel around Michigan and not only run races, but bring awareness to many causes.

Her battle with cancer started at a young age of 19, and continued off and on until she finished her race.

She will be loving missed by her family husband of 33 years, Robert Peckham; sons, James (Tanya) Peckham, Sean (Shelby) Peckham; Grandchildren Macie, Dylan, James and Olivia; Parents Jim and Linda Magee; Sister Tami (Jack) DeLeeuw, Renee (Pete) Soyka, Shelly Eldred and her many nieces and nephews; extended family members.

A celebration of life will follow later this spring.