Melissa Jane Barker Lininger, age 53, passed away March 31, 2021. She was born April 9, 1967 in Fayetteville, Arkansas to William “Buddy” and Judy Barker.
She married her loving husband Marc Lininger in June of 1990.
Loved ones who preceded her in parting this world include her mother Judy Kay Nickell Barker, her maternal grandparents Howard Austin Nickell and Blanche Irene Sandlin, and her paternal grandparents William Hobart Barker and Teelie Jane Faubus. She graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1985 after a noteworthy athletic career as a leader on both the varsity Basketball and Softball teams. She was an exceptional businesswoman, opening her own hair salon at age 19 before serving as a general manager for over 20 years and then transitioning to another career as the owner of a boat and yacht restoration company in the mid-2000s. Melissa loved to be on the water and to travel. If you couldn’t find her on a lake in the Ozarks, she was probably somewhere in the Caribbean on a beach. When she was home in Arkansas, she enjoyed golfing around Bella Vista, ‘Diva Night’ on Wednesdays with her girlfriends, and family gatherings on Sundays. She was also a collector of unique pieces of art throughout her life. Above all, Melissa had a big heart and a sunny disposition. She could make a friend out of anyone, and people were naturally drawn to her. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the hearts of her husband, children, and extended family.
She is survived by her husband Marcus Weston Lininger of Bella Vista, Arkansas, her father William “Buddy” Barker, her son, and daughter-in-law Weston and Brittany Lininger and grandson Archer of Bella Vista, Arkansas, her daughter Bethanie Edwards, Ph.D. of Berkeley, California, her sister Dena McCleland and brother-in-law Jeff McCleland of San Antonio, Texas, her niece Chasten Rowland and grand-niece Alice Marie Day of Gulf Port, Mississippi, her niece Samantha Luther, M.Ed. of Stillwell, Oklahoma, and her sweet fur-babies Saylor and Stella.
The family will receive friends from 5:30-7:30 PM Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at Beard’s Chapel.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Beard’s Chapel with Pastor Paul Hoss officiating. Interment will follow in Nickell Cemetery in Durham, AR.
So sorry for this loss. My prayers for the family.
So sorry for your loss…praying for your family
So sorry to hear of Melissa’s passing. Sending prayers for peace and comfort to the family. She will be greatly missed by all.
I’m so sorry to hear of Melissa passing. She was always a shinning light in all that she did! She was a true friend to all those she met. She was always so kind and thought in school and she was talented! The entire family is in my Thoughts and Prayers. May God Comfort each of you during your time of sorrow.
We are so sorry to hear the news of sweet Melissa’s passing. Praying for peace and comfort for your family.
Lots of good memories growing up!
Marcus and family, We were deeply saddened to learn of Melissa’s untimely passing. You picked a real winner as your partner. May God comfort you in your sorrow.
We are so sorry for your loss. We just read of Melissa’s passing. Our heartfelt sympathy to you Marcus and your family. Our prayers and God’s Blessing.
Many thoughts and prayers for ” the peace that passeth all understanding” for the family and friends of Melissa.
Mel will long be remembered by all of us lucky enough to have spent time with her. I can still see her in my minds eye, laughing while teaching us how to dance the Macarena or whatever silly thing we decided to do that weekend. So many memories that I carry of her and I pray the sweet memories comfort you now. Lifting you all up in my prayers.
My deepest sympathy. She was an amazing woman with an amazing soul and heart. She definitely left a impression on me. Her spirit will forever live on. I will never forget her.
So sorry for Your loss. Our Prayers and Thought’s are with You and the Family. God Bless You All. 🙏❤️🙏
I’m really going to miss her, she was amazing and so nice to my brother and I who are close friends with weston. I’m heartbroken to hear of her passing, love and prayers go out to her family.
My thoughts are with her family at this sad time.
Thank you so much for the kind words. She will be missed.
Thank you,
Dena McCleland
So sorry to hear of Melissa’s passing. We have fond memories of watching her playing basketball and vacationing with the family in Colorado.
I woke up with Melissa on my mind. I am sorry I am just now reading this… what a crazy school year it was as I tried to distance myself and didn’t get on FB much. Sending love and prayers to all of you.