Birth date: May 18, 1949 Death date: Aug 19, 2023
Melissa Ehler Small (lovingly known as "Lisa"), 74, of Wesley Chapel, FL, passed away on August 19th, 2023 after battling endometrial cancer for 42 years. Lisa was born on May 18, 1949 to Howard and Jean Ehler in Champaign, Illin Read Obituary
Mom, it's hard to believe we've lived this long without hearing you voice, making you laugh and seeing you bashfully apologize for wearing your "real hair" while on facetime. I think about you every day and wish so badly you didn't have to leave...though I know that you are loving your time in Heaven. You are very much missed, loved and adored.
Lisa taught me so much when I took her place as City Clerk in Howey-in the-Hills and worked with her on providing education for the Florida Association of City Clerks and later on that Board. I so valued her friendship throughout the years. Her faith was such an inspiration. I will so miss her and her friendship, her never-ending optimism and her unwavering faith in God! Lisa, you will forever be in my heart.
Lisa. . . what a special lady. I got to know Lisa well when we traveled together to the IIMC meeting in Rotterdam. After looking at the maps, we discovered that if we took the train, we could be in Paris in about five hours. How could we not do this? So, we both took a couple of extra days vacation time, and after the conference in Rotterdam was over, off we went. Neither of us had ever been to Paris, but this was a once in a lifetime opportunity! We had a wonderful time, saw Paris on foot (we were afraid to take the public transportation). We got lost a few times, but it was wonderful.
When I knew I was going to retire, I finally convinced (and it wasn't easy) Lisa to move to Temple Terrace so that in a very short time, she would be Temple Terrace's City Clerk. That was one of the smartest things I have ever done. She was a great City Clerk and served Temple Terrace well!
I will miss my friend, Lisa, but her smile and her infectious laugh will be with me always. Rest in peace Lisa . . . no more pain, no more suffering. Love you always - Pat (Jones) Dutton.
I remember Lisa from Tavares High School. She was in my sister, Colleen's, class of '67. I also remember Lisa when she was the town clerk for Howey in the Hills. A beautiful lady inside and out. Rest in Heaven, Lisa. My sincerest condolences for Lisa's families and friends.
We are so sorry to hear this sad news and wish to offer the family our deepest condolences. Lisa will always be remembered for many things. At the top is her unwavering love for our Lord. She was such a faithful person- faithful to her God, to Ken and her family and to her friends. She embodied bravery. Despite the many trials grown her way, she always remained upbeat and strong. She was like a ray of sunshine for she had a way of making a room brighter by her presence. Our prayers and thoughts are with Ken and the family during this most difficult time. P.C. And Judi Wu
Judi Burns lit a candle in memory of Melissa Ehler Small
Lisa was loved and will be missed by many including her Municipal Clerk friends and co-workers! I too, as a Past-President of FACC, appreciated her zeal and the positiveness and doggedly manner in which she tackled issues! Lisa was a people person who had the demeanor to make everyone feel at ease and important! I too appreciated her love of family and God! Many of us prayed for her continually and were always inspired by her faith and courage even in the times of pain and impossible situations which God always made possible! We have full assurance that God has welcomed her home, as a good and faithful servant! Gwen Azama-Edwards, 2001-2 President and long time friend!
Lisa and I shared a room for an FACC board meeting in Ocala and I remember how smitten she was when her and Ken started dating. It was so sweet. And what a wonderful marriage it was. We had some fun times serving on the FACC board. She knew I couldn't say no to her when she needed someone to take over the PEC, so Teresa and I jumped in fully to help a fellow clerk and friend out. She gave her all to her family, friends, FACC and especially her faith, which always amazed me. We were so blessed to have had Lisa in our lives. She was loved by so many and touched my heart. Blessings to Ken, her sons and all of her family and friends. ❤️❤️ Rest in peace Lisa. Love you! ❤️❤️
Lori Stelzer
