Melanie Beth Schaffner February 21, 1969 – July 5, 2024 Writing a memorial for Melanie Schaffner, a former journalist for ROX Magazine, has been overwhelmingly difficult for me. Not only was she one of the publication’s most professional writers, but she was also a friend. In fact, because I lack the precise words to pen the perfect tribute, this is the type of assignment I would have passed along to her. Without hesitation, Melanie would have exuberantly accepted the challenge, had it to the office before deadline, and written the copy with accuracy, style and finesse, requiring little to no editing on my part as the publication’s managing editor.  She…