Melanie Mae Hardy, 42 of Hubbard, died Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Melanie was born September 10, 1980, in Nevada, Iowa the daughter of Randall Lee and Shirley Rae (Moss) Cowles. She graduated from Hubbard-Radcliffe High School in 1998 and earned her associate degree from Ellsworth Community College. Melanie later earned her bachelor's degree from Iowa State, majoring in Adult and Child Family Services. On September 8, 2007, she was united in marriage to Nathan Hardy at Cornerstone Church in Zearing.

Melanie had worked for Story County Hospital in the billing department and Hardin County and City of Iowa Falls as a 911 dispatcher. She was a member of Cornerstone Church in Ames. Melanie enjoyed crafts and had a special love for glitter. Many weekends she could be found trout fishing or spending time at Outback Campground in Tama where they had a permanent site. Melanie also loved Harry Potter and seemed to know more about the series and its characters than anyone else.

Melanie is survived by her husband, Nathan of Hubbard; her mother, Shirley Cowles of Hubbard; her children, Mercedes Riley, Hannah Riley, Brady Riley, and Kaden Hardy; her brother, Eric (Tina) Cowles of Gilbert; and her sister, Lisa (John) Platte of Hubbard. She was preceded in death by her father, and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

A visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, November 10, 2022, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada. A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 11, 2022, also at the funeral home. Private burial will be at the Zearing Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family in memory of Melanie.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.rasmussonfh.com