White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

MARION – Melissa Faith May Bauer, 35 years old, of Marion, Iowa, died Saturday, February 28, 2026, at UnityPoint St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. - Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Zion Lutheran – Jubilee Cemetery, rural LaPorte City, Iowa.

Melissa was born September 4, 1990, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and was adopted by Lyal Harold Bauer and Nancy Joan (Tonn) Bauer. She was born with 10Q plus distal chromosome disorder and was given only a year to live. With the love and care of her parents and extended family, she was able to be the best Melissa that she could be and lived to be 35 years old. Melissa attended school at Linn-Mar Community School District and was a member of the Class of 2011.

Melissa was sweet and brought many people joy and hope. When Melissa was out shopping with her mom, Melissa's classmates would recognize her and run to her, just to greet her and share a smile. She loved people, lights and enjoyed climbing, hanging upside down and playing her piano. Melissa learned so much in her 35 years and exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Melissa is survived by her mother, Nancy Bauer of Marion; three sisters, Lori Marryman of Jesup, Iowa, Joy Bauer of Florence, Kentucky, and Tara (Joshua Carrera) Carrera-Bauer of Cedar Rapids; two brothers, Matthew (Candee) Bauer of Independence, Iowa, and Christopher (Robyn) Bauer of Marion, Iowa; also nieces and nephews, Allisin Merryman, Nathan Merryman, Xander Schneekloth, Abigail Cave, Kaitlyn Smith, Paxton Fredericksen, and Tallena Carrera-Bauer.

She is preceded in death by her father, Lyal Bauer; and two nieces, Tiffani Schneekloth and Briana Timm.

Memorials may be directed to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com.
White Funeral Home, Independence, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.