Melanie Dawn Bourne

Melanie Dawn (Retzlaff) Bourne, 51, of Clinton, NE, passed away unexpectedly at her home on February 26, 2025.

Melanie was born on March 15, 1973, in Gordon, Nebraska, to Kendall Retzlaff and Sharon (Shedeed) Retzlaff Judd.

Melanie graduated from Rushville High School in 1991. Following graduation, Melanie worked various jobs, including a nanny job at Chadron Wholesale, working at Ideal Market making cakes with her Aunt Debbie, Debbie’s Cakes and Floral, and Whiteclay Grocery Cake Department, and starting her own business in 2018, Piece O’ Cake, where she became so popular with her cakes and floral business.

Melanie gave birth to her first child, Shelby Lynn (Retzlaff) Stangle, in Rapid City, SD, on July 21, 1995.

On November 16, 2005, Melanie married Ty Bourne. And to this union, Ethan Bryan Bourne was born on June 4, 2007, in Gordon, NE. Melanie was a loving and devoted mother, daughter, and aunt, involved in every aspect of her children’s lives. She was a great pillar in the communities of Gordon and Rushville. Always supportive of all children, activities, and organizations. Melanie had a heart of gold, always putting others ahead of herself and working endlessly to support any individual in her path. Melanie was fun-loving and always had a smile on her face or, a joke to tell, and an unforgettable laugh. She was also an invaluable member of the local C.A.R.E. Organization.

Melanie is survived by her husband, Ty, daughter Shelby (Brice) Stangle, and son Ethan; her mother, Sharon (Steve) Judd of Rapid City, SD; her brother Robin (Stephanie) Retzlaff, and their two children, Jackson and Ryley of Alliance, NE; her sister Nichole (Brad) Younkin and their three children Gracyn, Kenley, and Oaklyn of Rushville, NE; sister-in-law Anne (Greg) Stevens of Sidney, NE and their two children Karalyn and Robert; and Dena Retzlaff of Lusk, WY; and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends.

Melanie was preceded in death by her father, Kendall Retzlaff; mother and father-in-law, Bryan and Sharon Bourne; maternal grandparents, Philip and Dorothy Shedeed; and paternal grandparents, Harold and Nadine Retzlaff.

Funeral services will take place on March 15, 2025, at the Gordon American Legion at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, we have a memorial set up for her son Ethan’s college fund. Memorials can be sent to:

Security 1st Bank

c/o Ethan Bourne College Fund

PO Box 550

Rushville, NE 69360

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