Melissa Siple Ricks, age 41, of Carrollton, TX, lost her courageous four year battle with breast cancer, peacefully at home, on Thursday, February 22, 2007. She was born on March 1, 1965 in Springfield, MO to Paul and Marian C. Siple. Melissa graduated from Harrison High School in Harrison, AR. She then attended the University of Arkansas and the University of Kansas, graduating with a BS in Occupational Therapy. She began her career in Tyler, moving afterwards to Dallas. She met and married the love of her life, Brad Ricks, formerly of Titonka, IA on October 24, 1992. Two children blessed this union: Adam Wagner and Peyton Elizabeth. Besides her husband and children, Melissa is survived by her mother, Marian Siple of Rockwall; brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Cheryl Siple of Rowlett; nephews, Benjamin, William, and Joshua Siple; plus a multitude of loving friends, whose life she touched in a very special way. Her father Paul Siple preceded her in death. A memorial celebration for Melissa's life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, March 3, 2007 at the Church of Annunciation, 602 N. Old Orchard Ln., Lewisville, TX with the Reverend Canon Courtland M. Moore officiating. No visitation is planned, but the family will receive friends in the church parlor afterwards. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to UTSW Medical Center, P.O. Box 910888 to support breast cancer research under the direction of Barbara Haley, MD or to the Memorial Fund of Annunciation Church.