Melanie (Rice) Talbert

     A true angel now has her wings. Surrounded by her family, Melanie Rice Talbert of Covington, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 28, 2022, after her hard-fought battle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). A beloved daughter, wife, mother, and Nana. She is survived by; her husband, Steven C. Talbert; children, Megan (Jason) Grisez (Brownsburg, IN), Stephanie (Jason) Torres (West Lafayette, IN), and Ben (Sarah) Talbert (Westfield, IN); grandchildren, Ethan Grisez (13), Olivia Torres (12), Isaac Grisez (11), Kingston Torres (6), Grayson Grisez (6), Luke Talbert (4), Judah Talbert (1); mother, Jane Marlatt Rice (Newtown, IN); along with siblings, Phil Rice, Leann Fruits, Jay Rice, Jennifer Rice, and many nieces and nephews.
     Melanie demonstrated nothing could break her constant faith and love for her family. Melanie was born May 25, 1960, to Jane Marlatt Rice (surviving) and the late Lowell Rice. A 1978 graduate from Southeast Fountain High School. She also attended Purdue University. Melanie met her husband, Steve (of Covington, IN) while they worked at the Beef House Restaurant. They were married on May 26, 1979. Some of her life work included working for State Farm Insurance, Montgomery Savings & Loans, owning and operating Benjamin's Family Dining with Steve, and Tanner Insurance in Covington, IN. Her true passions in life were her faith, playing the piano, spending time with her children, and any extra moments she could sneak in with her grandchildren. 
     Melanie was grateful for her church, family, small group, and dear friends that were so supportive during her lengthy illness. She left a lasting impact on everyone she met with her encouraging words and love for the Lord. She enjoyed helping with children and adult choirs, including Jesus Singers, and volunteering her time with a Secret Pal program and other community activities.
     In place of flowers, please make donations in honor of Melanie to:  Seymour Harvest Church, 4604 North Highway 31, Seymour, IN 47274 c/o Jocelyn and Gerald Bonaventura, or Benson Chapel United Methodist Church 7114 US Hwy 136, Covington, IN 47932 (African Ministries).
     Visitation will be held at Covington United Methodist Church, 419 Washington Street, Covington, IN, on Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Masks required per family request. A private funeral service has been arranged.  Her arrangements were entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Covington, Indiana 420 3rd St. Covington, Indiana 47932.  Please join her family in sharing memories through her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

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