Melissa Berndt
Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and friend
Mary 'Melissa' Berndt passed away on Friday Morning April 29, 2022.

She was born in San Bernardino to Estelle Friedman on
June 16, 1961. Raised with her three sisters by Estelle and her husband
Floyd Houston in Barstow.

She attended Barstow High School and was
an active FFA member, but her true passion was horsmanship, eventually
becoming Barstow Stampede Rodeo Queen in 1978.

Melissa started working as a server at Bobs Big Boy when she
was 17. She spent most of her career in Retail Sales most noteably at
CorningWare and as a member of managment for Perfumania for 13
years.

For the last several years she has served her community as an
active member of the American Legion Auxillery.

She was devoted to her family and friends and especially enjoyed time spent with her
grandchildren. Melissa's constant beautiful smile and a friendly
disposition made her your friend instantly. She was warm, generous,
sincere, kind, fun spirited, and always willing to lend a hand to help
others. She is irreplaceable. She is loved and missed beyond words.

Melissa is survived by her children: Zachary Berndt of
Barstow, CA., McKyle Axe of Barstow, CA., Dustin Friedman of Troy, Il.,
and Haley Clark of Granite City, IL. with their families to include seven
very loved grandchildren. Sisters: Sheila Jarrett and family of Amberg,
WI., Marsha Nelson and family of Ames, IA., and Karlene Morton and
family of Barstow, CA.

Preceded in death by Step-father; Floyd Houston, Mother;
Estelle Hart Houston, Father; John Friedman, Nephew; Timothy
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Shigouri, and Niece; Stephanie Shigouri.

Services for Melissa will be held at the American Legion
Post #324, 2181 Armory Rd. on May 22, 2022 at 2pm. Reception and
fellowship to follow.

The Highlands Funeral Home is entrusted to handle the arrangements.

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