Melissa Tuggle

Melissa Tuggle, born February 25, 1977, of Crown Point, Indiana, passed away on March 27, 2026.

Melissa was a strong, loving, and devoted mother, “Gamma,” daughter, sister, and aunt. She was known for her resilience, her warmth, and the deep love she had for her family. If there was one thing about Melissa, it’s that she was going to make it happen—no matter what life threw her way.

She is survived by her six children: Matt (Summer) Vargo, Ashlyn Vargo, Cassie (Collin) Hamlin, Ethan Vargo, Cayden Vargo, and her baby girl, Mya Harrison. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren—Carter, Reyanne, and Eliza—and a soon-to-be newest addition, little Miss Ivy, who already had her wrapped around her finger. Being “Gamma” wasn’t just a title to Melissa—it was her favorite role, and she wore it with pride (and probably a little bit of playful spoilery mischief).

Melissa is also survived by her mother, Carol Lawson; her siblings, Kristina Myszkiewicz, Trinity (James) Kacerski, Jason (Melony) Tuggle, and Tommy Lawson; and her nieces, Felicia Fowler and Kayla Kurek, who stood faithfully by her side through it all. She also leaves behind many other loving nieces and nephews—and because she was such an amazing aunt, she earned herself a whole collection of great-nieces and great-nephews who adored her just as much.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Edith and Wilbur Mathews; her son, Jacob Tuggle; and her nephew, Deklan Fowler.

Melissa loved nothing more than spending time with her grandbabies and family. Her home was often the heart of every holiday—full of laughter, love, and the kind of chaos that only comes from a house full of people who truly enjoy each other. She was a hard worker who gave her all in everything she did never cutting corners, but definitely finding her own way to get things done.

Above all, Melissa was a fighter. She faced life’s hardest battles with incredible strength, courage, and determination. She never gave up and always held on for the people she loved most. Even in the toughest moments, her love for her children and grandchildren gave her the strength to keep going. If strength had a face, it would look a lot like Melissa.

Melissa will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew her—but her love, her lessons, and her “figure-it-out” spirit will live on in every life she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to support Melissa’s youngest daughter, Mya Harrison, carrying forward her education and future.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 3,2026 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Hillside Funeral Home 8941 Kleinman Road Highland, IN with a Funeral Service at 12:00 pm.

Interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens 8178 Cline Avenue Crown Point, IN 46307.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melissa Tuggle, please visit our floral store.