Melissa Eileen Preston

Melissa Eileen Rockwell Preston, 43, passed away on May 5, 2014 in Morrisville, NC. She was born January 19, 1971 in Yakima, WA to John Roger Mills and Patricia Darlene Gliddon Rockwell. Melissa graduated from Bridgeport High School and Washington State University with a degree in Apparel Merchandising. She also attended schools in Twisp and East Wenatchee while growing up. In 1996, Melissa married Jonathan Preston of Mansfield, WA. During her career she held fashion-related positions with Columbia Sportswear, GAP Inc., Banana Republic, Adidas and Nike. She and Jon lived five years in China while Jon worked for Intel and Melissa worked briefly for Nike of China. Melissa was proficient in Mandarin Chinese and returned often to China after starting her own jewelry business, Rockhill Design. Melissa touched lives. She was beautiful and happy and her infectious laugh was only out shined by her wonderful smile. Always fun, always kind, always late, she created communities of friendship wherever she lived. She will continue to gently touch our lives through her three precious children, and through the unique memory each of us carries in our heart. Melissa is survived by her children: Nicholas, Jackson and Samantha, all of Camas, WA; her parents, Mike and Patricia Rockwell of Vancouver, WA; brothers, Matthew Clarkson (Cheri), Camas, WA, Eric Clarkson (Neva), Vancouver, WA, Casey Rockwell Mills (Rebecca) Harrah, WA, and sisters, Michele and Denise Rockwell of Bellingham, WA. She has numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She is also survived by her in-laws: Edward and Sheila Preston, Mansfield, WA; Susan Girardot, Michone Preston (Dan Wetzler) and Tiffany Preston (Chris Cable), all of Spokane, WA and Siobhan Strang (Scott), Chugiak, AK. Her sister, Renee Rockwell, preceded her in death. Her husband, Jonathan, is deceased. Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thurs., May 22, 2014 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 17010 NE 9th St., Vancouver, WA 98684. Burial will take place following the service at the Camas City Cemetery, 630 NE Oaks St., Camas WA 98607. There will be a public visitation on Wed., May 21 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 NE 112th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98684. Rosary will follow at the funeral home at 7:00 p.m. A Celebration for Melissa will be held Thursday, May 22, 2014 at Camas Meadows Golf Course, 4105 NW Camas Meadows Dr. from 5:00–8:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served.

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Melissa Eileen Preston

January 19, 1971 - May 5, 2014