Melissa Ann (Kroll) Hilliker was born and raised in Hometown, Illinois.  She graduated from Queen of Peace High School in 2003.  During her childhood, Melissa enjoyed spending time participating in gymnastics, basketball, and rowing.

After graduation, Melissa continued her education on a full merit scholarship for rowing at the University of Central Florida where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Melissa began her life with her best friend and soulmate, Dana Hilliker, in 2003 and the two married in 2007. From their love and with God's blessing, they had three amazing daughters: Sydney Marie Hilliker, Josephine (Josie) Ann Hilliker, and Savannah (Savy) Joy Hilliker and their beloved dogs.

Melissa was a devoted wife and was always super supportive of her husband, Dana, in his career as a police officer with the City of Orlando Police Department (OPD) and of Dana's role as an advocate for fellow police officers as Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Orlando Lodge 25.

Melissa was Dana's biggest cheerleader.  She embraced being a police officer's wife and relied on her faith in Jesus and prayer to guide Dana in his career in law enforcement.  Regardless of the direction Dana went, TAC, SWAT, K9, or the Violent Crimes Unit, Melissa always had his back. Melissa was especially supportive of OPD's K9 unit and was a loving and dedicated K9 mom to K9 Miro.  When K9 Miro was at work he was Dana's dog, but when the work gear came off K9 Miro was eager to get home where he could be Melissa's big baby.  Before she passed away, Melissa promised Dana when she got to Heaven, she would spend her mornings with K9 Miro doing bible study as she did on Earth.

Melissa spent 15 years enjoying God's calling for her to serve others as a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit nurse, first at Arnold Palmer Hospital, and later at Florida Hospital South (AdventHealth).  As a nurse, Melissa was highly respected and known for being compassionate to everyone.  Melissa made a powerful difference in the lives of the children and families she cared for by brightening their hospital stay with her kindness, caring spirit, infectious smile, and professionalism.  Melissa viewed her responsibilities as a nurse as doing God's work by unapologetically spreading the Gospel to all of those she encountered.

Melissa had many accomplishments during her lifetime, her greatest achievement was being a mother. Melissa was a loving and devoted mother to her daughters: Sydney (13), Josie (11) and Savannah (2). Melissa's children were her biggest accomplishment in life. Melissa was passionate about homeschooling and was an integral part of establishing and building the homeschooling community in Clermont. Melissa took great pride in watching Sydney and Josie excel at homeschooling and bible study; and watching Savannah meet new milestones as she grew.

Melissa spent countless hours watching her daughters become exceptional gymnasts at Brandy Johnson's Gymnastics.  She loved and cheered vigorously for the girls at competitions and beamed with joy as she watched the girls compete.  Melissa loved and was loved by all the gymnasts, their families, the coaches and staff.  The coaches described Melissa as being the loudest fan for, not only her own daughters, but for all the girls.

Melissa taught her children to love Jesus, the Bible and the Church as she did.  She taught them that their self-worth comes from Jesus and encouraged the girls to be strong, confident, and Jesus loving, just like their momma bear.  Melissa led by example and all her best qualities will live on through her daughters.

Melissa was a very engaged member of Lakeside Church.  She had a strong faith in God and enjoyed Bible studies.  Melissa was able to pour her life experiences, especially about her marriage, into her women's groups.  Everything that Melissa believed and shared in groups was based strictly on Jesus and the Bible.

In her spare time, Melissa enjoyed working out at Clermont CrossFit where those around her got to witness her determination, be greeted by her bubbly and positive attitude, and be inspired by her bravery and dedication to her faith.

Melissa was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in December 2021.  Melissa amazed everyone that knew her as she fought a fierce battle against cancer.  Regardless of what she was faced with, Melissa always trusted in Jesus and surrendered herself to Him.  Melissa said Jesus had a plan for her and she knew she would be healed either on Earth or in Heaven.  Melissa never stopped fighting and even joked that she will "win again" when reflecting on going to Heaven before others in her family.Melissa knew that cancer didn't win, Jesus did! Melissa's love for Jesus and loyalty to her family will be greatly missed.

Melissa is survived by her husband Dana Hilliker and their three daughters Sydney Marie Hilliker, Josephine Ann Hilliker, and Savannah Joy Hilliker; her parents Paul and Edythe Kroll; her brother Paul Kroll Jr. (PJ); her father and mother-in-law Jeffery and Tammy Hilliker; her sister-in-law Nikki (William) Grindle; her nieces Natalia Sol, MaKenzie Lynae, and Jenna Mae; and her many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, The Orlando Police Heroes Foundation is accepting donations on behalf of the Hilliker Family.  Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/honor-melissa-hillikers-legacy-support-her-family All proceeds will go directly to the family to help ease their burden during this difficult time and for the future.

Obituary provided by family.