In Loving Memory of Melody Carrasco Lopez

On Friday, November 21, 2025, Melody Carrasco Lopez was taken suddenly from this earth.

She was one of the most radiant souls Crane, Texas, has ever known. Her infectious smile and warm southern hospitality touched all who had the privilege of meeting her, but it was her golden aura that truly set her apart. To be near Melody meant sharing in her sparkle – whether you expected it or not, her light always found a way to shine on those around her. In her presence, you felt love, joy, and a genuine sense of welcome. She was an angel to her family, friends, and community, and as with all things angelic, heaven eventually called her home.

Her passing leaves us with a profound sense of loss. There was no time to prepare, no warning, no chance for goodbyes. Like a candle flame extinguished in an instant, her departure has forever changed our lives.

Melody was born on December 2, 1977, in Pearsall, Texas, to proud parents Evodia and Arthur Carrasco. From the moment her father heard her first cry, he knew she was extraordinary. The name “Melody” was perfectly fitting as her voice was the most angelic and melodic sound he had ever heard.

A few years later, her joy multiplied when her parents gave her the gift of a sister, Martha Marie. The two were inseparable, sharing a childhood filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures. Always surrounded by their parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins, their lives were rich with family bonds. The Carrasco cousins formed their own special club – full of dancing, karaoke, and home videos that remain treasured memories to this day.

Melody’s greatest joy came with the birth of her son, Gareth Ryan Carrasco, on March 26, 1999. Ryan was her sun, moon, and stars. Her entire family was smitten with the little boy, celebrating each milestone and cherishing the early years of “firsts.” Ryan definitely kept her on her toes with his activities – dirt bikes, travel ball, and always a house full of friends and cousins – and she loved every single minute of it and easily became a 2nd mom to most of them.

Her love multiplied again when Ryan’s children were born. First came Miss Eviee, for which Melody could not contain her excitement! At that moment, she understood what Nyna felt all those years ago for Ryan. Eviee quickly became a constant fixture in her life, and it was no wonder they were best friends. Melody’s joy doubled with the announcement of baby Everett, whom she adored beyond measure long before his first seven months of life. She was devoted to them both, always eager to bring joy and love to their lives.

Melody’s soulmate, Christopher Lopez, entered her life and completed her family. From the beginning, it was clear he was meant to stay. He became a father figure to Ryan and his circle of friends, and together they built a life filled with love and resilience. When Chris fell ill with MS, Melody – with Ryan’s help – cared for him faithfully for 13 years, embodying devotion and strength.

In 2007, Melody faced her own health battle with cancer. Though the struggle was immense, her love for Ryan and her family gave her strength. With courage, faith, and determination, she overcame the illness – a victory that allowed her to continue blessing her loved ones and community.

One of the most precious gifts in Melody’s life was the love and sense of community that she received in her work with Crane ISD for 20 plus years. She was the ultimate “mother hen”, and an invaluable member of Crane Middle School. She touched so many young hearts there – instinctually leading and directing young students, and often young teachers just learning to open their wings in the profession. Once you knew Melody, better known as Mrs. Lopez to so many young Middle School babies, you knew you would be met with a happy hello, and a genuine smile. She always met the children, staff, and parents with care, dedication, and knowledge, and was a true pillar of the office for so many years. From her back porch, she could see the silhouette of the crane on the flagpole – a symbol of her deep connection to the school and community she loved so dearly.

Melody’s role as “Mimsy” was perhaps her most cherished. After her mother’s passing, she stepped in as a maternal figure for her sister Martha, and rejoiced with the news of her nephew Lucas. She knew she needed a special title because she would be so much more than Aunt Mel to him…she would be Mimsy. Lucas and Mimsy were the best of buds, spending so much time together. She loved spoiling him, just as grandmothers so often do, and gave her love so freely to him. Her home was his safe haven, and she loved and welcomed him anytime he wanted a visit, or sleepover, you name it, the answer was yes! Five years later, when Eviee came along, she hopped right in with the Mimsy shenanigans, and Mimsy also got to witness the unbreakable bond between Lucas and Eviee. Her “Mimsy magic” was heaven-sent – a gift forever treasured by Lucas, Eviee, Everett, and also by Isaiah, Isaac, and Baby Isaiah, who she welcomed and loved being Mimsy to.

Melody was selfless. She was a master at recognizing the needs of others – always giving, always pouring, always nurturing, always thinking of everyone else. Her sweet southern accent, paired with her no-nonsense attitude, mixed in with her sass and explosively contagious, over-the-top happy energy, are things we will miss and hold onto long after she is gone. Melody never met a stranger, but if she did, she would still pour out the last ounce of herself to fill their cup. She loved the Lord with all her heart, and I can’t blame heaven for wanting her back. Melody was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Evodia Ramirez, and her husband, Christopher Scott Lopez.

She is survived by her father, Arthur Carrasco; her sister, Martha, along with her son Lucas; her stepdaughter, Ester, with husband Jesse and son Isaiah Ryan; and also Isaac, Isaiah, and Jack Summers.

Melody is lovingly remembered by her son, Ryan Carrasco Lopez, her daughter-in-law, Dianna, and their children, Eviee and Everett. The family is very grateful to her best friend, Amy Hall, for putting together so many lovely thoughts of our Melody. We know her and her children, who adored Melody, will miss her terribly as so, so many will.

Melody loved deeply and generously. She is further survived by countless cousins, aunts, uncles, coworkers, community members, and friends whose lives she touched with her big heart.

May she rest peacefully now; her cup overflowing with love and the promise of eternal life.