Melissa Marie Stuen's Obituary
Melissa Marie Stuen (“Chopper”) born February 1, 1980 in Tacoma, WA passed away on August 22, 2017 in Atlanta Georgia. She was preceded in death by her father Steven Michael Runyan (Mike). She was raised in Puyallup until she moved to Eatonville where she excelled and graduated from Eatonville High School. While at Eatonville High School she was a member of Future Leaders of America and she was May Day Queen in her Senior year. She helped tutor younger children throughout her schooling, and well after she graduated. She was passionate about playing soccer and softball.
She graduated from Western Washington University with a major in Social Studies and a minor in Women’s Studies. She put this knowledge to exceptional use while employed at the YWCA, helping battered women overcome their histories and thrive in the future. Furthermore, she ran numerous Girl Scouts troops for inner city girls.
Soon after she pursued and received her culinary certificate from Le Cordon Bleu. She owned and operated a food preparation business that prepared wholesome and healthy foods for families while simultaneously working for the Metropolitan Market. When she moved to Denver, CO to allow her husband to pursue his dreams, she found work with Gourmet Foods International where she became very knowledgeable in the cheese world, having earned the prestigious designation of “Certified Cheese Professional” designation from the American Cheese Society in 2016. Upon moving back to Tacoma, WA she worked for KeHe Distributors and tirelessly worked to promote the benefits of fresh foods.
Melissa had an incredible work ethic but knew how to enjoy life. She was incredibly independent and free spirited. Melissa married her best friend and the love of her life. They enjoyed time with friends and family. They travelled to many corners of the world, but time at home was most special. Melissa was full of life. Her passion was food. She loved preparing food, and most importantly cooking for others. Especially known for her delicious steaks prepared on what came to be known as “Rib-Eye Friday”. She touched everyone she knew by her charismatic personality, beautiful smile and infectious laugh.
She is survived by her husband Philip Stuen, mother Elisabeth Runyan (Beth), and sister Sheila
Doffing (Corey) and daughter Emma, Grandmother Lois Sovey, Grandfather Bill Runyan, Father in law Paul Stuen (Karin), Mother in law Sandra Buffa (William), sisters Krista Hoppen (Dale) and son Bodhi, Lindsay Cook (Ryan) and daughter Peyton, and brothers Michael Buffa (Carla) and Seth Stuen. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and an incredible group of loyal friends.
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