Melanie Kay Neie, 43, passed away suddenly on the clear, sunny afternoon of Nov. 2 at her home in Alpine. Melanie was born six minutes after her twin sister on April 14, 1979, much to the surprise and delight of her parents, Sue and Van Neie. Melanie grew from a beautiful baby girl into a lovely, beautiful young woman. She spent her entire life working and helping people and fur babies in need, something she loved to do. She was funny, smart, and sweet and all who knew her loved her. Her loss leaves us all heartbroken and devastated. Melanie always gave her all in helping others, never expecting anything in return, and the world is a darker, sadder place without her in it. Melanie is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Millie and Van Neie, Sr., maternal grandparents, Melba and Gene Watson, and aunts Vivian Ratcliff and Kary Allee.

She leaves behind the love of her life, Brice Womack, her dog fur babies, Dax, LeeLee, Charlie and Koda, as well as cat fur babies, Pixie and Buggy. She also leaves behind her heartbroken parents, Sue and Van Neie, Jr., oldest brother Gene Springfi eld and wife Kelly, twin sister Audrey Taylor and husband Kasey, youngest brother Bryan Neie and wife Stephanie and nieces Sloan and Sadie Springfi eld, Madalyn Taylor and Jacie Neie. She also leaves behind nephews Shaughn Taylor and Colton Neie.

In lieu of a public memorial service, which she would have hated, the people that would like to honor her life are encouraged to donate to the Alpine Family Crisis Center, the Alpine Animal Shelter, or Big Bend Pets, which she would love. Melanie will be loved and missed forever.