COLUMBIA - Melanie Bass Caines, to know her was to love her. She passed away peacefully on June 30th 2012. She was born in Columbia on October 19th 1973 to Ed and Sid Bass. Melanie graduated from AC Flora High School, then from Midlands Technical College in Dental Hygiene. Melanie was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She met the love of her life, Phil Caines, at a church dance when they were teenagers. They were married for time and eternity June 3rd 1997. Melanie and Phil had two sons, Kobie and Brayden. Her life was totally devoted to them. Melanie fought a heroic battle against breast cancer with dignity and peace. However the cancer did not define her. We don’t remember Melanie as a cancer patient, instead, we remember Melanie’s Christ like qualities that touched many and lifted those around her. Melanie was full of love, pure love. Those who interacted with her were moved emotionally and spiritually, their lives were truly changed for good. In every way, Melanie’s life was a life of beauty and a thing of beauty is a joy forever. Melanie is survived by her husband, Phil Caines, her sons, Kobie and Brayden, her parents, Ed and Sid Bass, and her siblings Michelle Nobles, Kevin and Kirk Bass. There will be a family visitation on Friday, July 6th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm and the funeral will be held on Saturday, July 7th at 11:00 am. Both services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on 4440 Jackson Blvd in Columbia. Special thanks to Dr. Steve Madden and the staff of Lexington Oncology Associates, especially to Melanie’s nurse, Terry Herbst. We also thank family members and friends who have served and supported Melanie and her family.