Melissa Ann Ehler Small's Obituary
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, Illinois. Lisa lived on a farm and attended school in a one-room school house until her family moved to Tavares, FL before she started the second grade. Lisa was the youngest of three children along with brother Howard Jr. and sister Melinda.
Lisa went on to graduate from Tavares High School. She briefly attended Florida State University before marrying her high school sweetheart and settling down in Tavares. Lisa had two boys that she adored, Scott and Chris. After a short marriage, Lisa and the boys eventually moved to Eustis where she met and married Richard Burns.
In 1978, Lisa, Rick and the boys moved to the mountains of Colorado near the towns of Fraser and Winter Park. While living in Colorado, Lisa worked in real estate as a Realtor and Broker. It was during this time that Lisa was first diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 1981. Despite her diagnosis and after working in real estate for several years, Lisa became the Town Clerk / Treasurer for the town of Winter Park. She fought through this first round of cancer for four years with vigilance and her unwavering faith in God. As a result of her first battle, the cancer was subdued for the next 25 years.
In 1993, Lisa and her husband returned to Central Florida to be near family. Lisa became the Town Clerk / Treasurer for the town of Howey-In-The-Hills, Fl. In 2000 Lisa became the Deputy City Clerk and eventually the City Clerk for Temple Terrace, FL. This prompted a move to Wesley Chapel and a new chapter in Lisa's life.
Lisa took great pride in being a City Clerk and became a prominent contributor to many municipal organizations nationwide. She was certified as a Master Municipal Clerk in 2006. She served on the Executive Board for the Florida Association of City Clerks and eventually as the President of the group. Lisa also served on the board of directors of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. After being diagnosed with the return of endometrial cancer in 2010, Lisa retired in 2013 to focus on her family and cancer treatments.
Lisa married the love of her life, Ken Small on Christmas Eve of 2009. Together they traveled the world, making many of Lisa’s dreams come true in the process such as visiting Paris and Germany. Lisa loved her travels with Ken and cherished every moment they spent together. They were often seen walking the neighborhood and spending time with neighbors.
Lisa was known for her devoted faith in God, devoutly reading and sharing scripture daily. She was known for her glowing and beautiful smile, easy laugh, positivity and endless amounts of love given to all. She was a formidable force in fighting cancer for for the last 13 years. Throughout it all, she never wavered or lost faith, always pushing forward to bring comfort and grace to all of those around her. She was an incredible cook as well, making the most incredible yeast rolls and pot roast and, though not necessarily known for her meatloaf, she loved making it. She made sure to make everyone around her feel special - as seen from the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult of times.
Lisa was preceded in death by her Father, Howard Ehler, and mother, Jean Medford. She is deeply missed and survived by her husband, Ken Small, son Scott Burns and grandchild Kaitlyn Baker, son Chris Burns and his wife Judi, grandchildren Nate and Nicole Burns, and beloved "putty-tat" Millie. In lieu of flowers, she would sincerely appreciate a donation to her most favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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