Melanie Jayne Rickards, 57, of Dagsboro Del. passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 24th, 2025, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, De. Melanie was born on November 4th, 1967, in Lewes, De. She was the daughter of Francis "Frank" Rickards III and Yvonne Long Rickards of Dagsboro De.

Melanie was loved and cherished by all who knew her. She had a contagious laugh and child-like excitement for life. She loved giving and receiving gifts from her friends and family and enjoyed being a part of every holiday and birthday celebration. Her pastimes included watching her favorite television shows, playing board games, handheld games, cutting out coupons for her mother, and completing word searches. She loved animals and was up to sing along and dance anytime a catchy song was playing.  Melanie was a 1986 graduate of Indian River High School where she was proudly crowned Prom Queen that same year.

Throughout her life, she regularly attended church with her family and was a member at Crossroads Community Church in Dagsboro, De. Although Melanie faced many challenges in her life as a person living with Prader Willi Syndrome, she never complained, never stopped smiling, and was always looking for ways to bring joy to her family and friends. She will be dearly missed.

Melanie was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Chester Marshall Long and Christine Long, her paternal grandparents Francis Rickards Jr. and Alma C. Rickards, her aunt Marsha Lynn Phillips, her aunt and uncle Lamar and Eunice England, her great aunt and uncle Earl and Mary Robinson, her great grandmother Pearl Banks Dunn, and her great grandparents William J. and Lurena "Reenie" Moore.

Melanie is survived by her loving, dedicated parents, her sister Maria Wilson and her husband B. Keith Wilson of Dagsboro De., her uncle C.R Phillips of Dagsboro, De., her first cousin Renee Young and her husband T.J Young, and their son Reed Young of Dagsboro, De., and her special "sister" Marleen Shelton, as well as many cherished cousins in Delaware and Georgia.

Visitation will be held at Melsons Funeral home, 43 Thatcher St. Frankford De. on Friday, October 31st at 10am with a service to follow at 11am. Interment will be held at the Prince George Cemetery, Dagsboro, De.

Flowers are accepted, or donations can be made to the Prader Willi Syndrome Association USA .

The family would like to thank all the nurses of Christiana Care for their love and help over the years.