Grove City, Pa. - Melissa "Jean" Atwell Biddle, 68, Grove City, died on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 26, 2025, from injuries sustained in a roadside accident on Center Church Road in Grove City, near her home.

Melissa was born on Sept. 1, 1957, in Grove City to Donald C. Atwell and Jean B. Greggs Atwell. She attended Grove City schools, graduating in the class of 1975, and recently celebrated her 50th class reunion with classmates.

After school, she became a shift manager at McDonald's in Grove City for several years, then moved on to the wait staff and wait staff trainer at Rachel's Roadhouse, Mercer, soon after they opened in 1983. Melissa left Rachel's after 10 years of service upon the births of her sons, Nicholas J. (Jenna), Whites Creek, Tenn.; and Lucas A., Butler.

In addition to her sons, one of her greatest loves was the art of dance. She danced and had a dancing instructor career spanning over 40 years. Her love of dance and utmost respect for Dotty McGill and the Dotty McGill School of Dance where she taught in Grove City was a lifelong passion. She was also elected to the board of directors of Dance Masters of Pennsylvania, serving up until the time of her passing. She was a master instructor of many forms of dance, and touched the lives of thousands of students. Melissa was officially known as "Miss Melissa'' at the studio, having served multi-generations of students, parents, and families.

She married Daniel T. Biddle, Grove City, on May 16, 1981, having celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary this spring. In addition to her husband and sons and daughter-in-law, Melissa is survived by two sisters, Paula Reiber, Volant; and Sherry (Randy) Fyffe, Grove City; and a brother Jack (Paula) Atwell, Cleveland; sisters-in-law Shirley (Dick) Snyder, West Middlesex; and Linda (Joe) Matulek, Youngstown; and a brother-in-law Wayne (Amy) Biddle, Grove City; along with scores of nieces and nephews on both sides of her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law; a brother-in-law, Dan Reiber; and two nieces, Jessica Reiber; and Summer Fyffe.

Melissa was committed to the life-saving organ donor program, and therefore donated various elements critical to the survival of others through the CORE (The Center for Organ Recovery and Education), based in RIDC Park, Pittsburgh.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to honor Melissa's legacy be made in her name to DMD Studio at www.dottymcgilldance.com or the Democratic National Committee at www.democrats.org.

BIDDLE

Melissa "Jean'' Atwell Biddle, 68, Grove City.

Visitation: A private family visitation will be Saturday (12-6-25) at CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME, Grove City.

Services: A Celebration of Life event with open visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday (12-27-25) for students, friends and families at the Dotty McGill School of Dance, 214½ S. Broad St., Grove City. A celebration service will follow at 4 p.m. Attendees should be aware of the very challenging 3rd-floor stairs to access the studio.