Melissa Pitts, 35, of Volga, lost her courageous battle with cancer on February 28, 2017, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.  Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 5, 2017, at 4:00 P.M. at Eidsness Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 2:00 P.M. and lasting until the time of service.

Melissa Ann Pitts was born on November 8, 1981, to Jacqueline Espland and Ray Pitts in California.  She moved to Volga at the age of five, and attended school at Sioux Valley.   Melissa held various jobs throughout her life, including positions at Daktronics, United Living Community, and Bel Brands.

Melissa loved life and lived it to the fullest.    She was always sincere, kind, full of joy, and was a lovable and kind hearted person.  Melissa enjoyed fishing, hunting, and going to music festivals.  She loved her dogs, and especially enjoyed taking them to Lake Oakwood.

In 2002, Melissa welcomed a son, Ethan, into the world.  She loved being a mother, and cherished the time she was able to spend with Ethan.  Melissa was particularly close to her mother, and they had a exceptionally strong relationship.  The two were best friends.  Melissa will be greatly missed.

Survivors include: her son, Ethan Luciano; her mother, Jackie Espland; her siblings, Eric Espland, Christopher Espland, and Jennifer Hartman; her grandfather, Robert Espland; her uncle, Bill Espland, and her best friend Christina Schepker.  Melissa was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Margaret Espland and Madeline Anderson.