Melanie Lynn Hargis

Melanie Lynn Hargis, 64, of Columbus, died at her home at 8:54 a.m. on September 15, 2026. Melanie was born in Plainfield, Indiana on August 6, 1962, the daughter of W. Warren Brooks and Janice A (Baker) Gerth.

Melanie was a talented author of Young Adult books, a poet, and a guitarist who found joy in expressing herself through words and music. She also loved horses and proudly owned a beloved horse named Precious Dreams, who held a special place in her heart.

For 12 years, Melanie dedicated herself to serving others as a social worker and advocate with the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP). Her work touched the lives of countless foster children and families. She was deeply committed to advocating for children, educating new foster and adoptive parents, and helping families navigate transitions with care, understanding, and compassion. Melanie had a special gift for making people feel supported and never stopped believing in the importance of giving children a safe, loving place to call home.

Above all, Melanie’s grandchildren and her foster children were her passion. They brought her immense joy and purpose. Her legacy will live on through the many children and families she touched, the stories she created, the poems she wrote, and the love she so freely gave.

In honoring the family’s wishes Melanie will be cremated at the Bartholomew County Crematory by Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory, and will be honored in a private family gathering at a later date.

Melanie is survived by her dad, Larry Gerth; sons, Jeremy (Cindy) Day, Daniel (Sarah) Day, and daughter, Courtney (Josh) Rhoades; brothers, Mark Brooks and Joseph (Jaclyn) Gerth; sisters, Gail Bryant, Amy (Randy) Thompson, Julia (Jeremy) Cowan; and Trena (Scott) Riley; grandchildren, Ryder Hill, Logan and Cora Day.

She was preceded in death by her father, W. Warren Brooks; mother, Janice Gerth; and beloved pets, Shandi and Cheyenne.

Services were entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory.