Melissa Montross Haines Arlin, age 76 of Arden, NC, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Four Seasons Palliative Care in Hendersonville, NC. She was born April 14, 1949 to the late William A. Haines, Jr. and Elizabeth (Montross) Haines.

Melissa’s memory will be cherished by her daughter Meghan Montross Harlow and her husband Joe Swindell, as well as Melissa’s grandchildren Sebastian and Leo Swindell, all of Roanoke, VA.

Melissa lived an illustrious, vibrant life, having traveled around the world to Tahiti, Hawaii, Hong Kong, the Mediterranean, and all of Europe and Russia. In each place she tried to be a polite ambassador to the United States. In 2009, she was honored to attend a small dinner party for two people from China. They exchanged small gifts and took photos to remember the occasion. They told Melissa the experience left them loving America.

Melissa was also had a philanthropic spirit, and donated her time and money to organizations such as Arbor Day, Sierra Club, Humane Society, the Police Officer Memorial Fund, and various cancer and children’s charities.

Melissa’s desire for higher education led her to attend and graduate from University of North Carolina and Antioch-McGregor University. She received her master’s degree in business at the age of 56, paving the way and setting the bar for other older students. Her philosophy was to never give up on education. She said it added life to her years.

Arrangements currently pending.