KANSAS CITY — Melissa Alexander, former editor of World Grain, died on June 21 after a long battle with cancer. She was 61.

Ms. Alexander began her career with Sosland Publishing Co. in 1993 when she was named associate editor of Milling & Baking News. Later that year she was named editor of World Grain but also continued in her role with Milling & Baking News until she left the company in 1998. She also was editor of Sosland Publishing’s Grain and Milling Annual during that time.

Even after she left Sosland in 1998, she continued to make important contributions to several of the company’s publications as a correspondent, writing the monthly Grain Market Review for World Grain and continuing to serve as editor of the Grain and Milling Annual until the onset of her illness in December 2009.

Charles Sosland, chairman of Sosland Publishing, said Ms. Alexander’s contribution as markets writer for Milling & Baking News and her work as World Grain’s editor were very important to the company.

“Her understanding of the markets and her ability to write about them was excellent,” Mr. Sosland said. “As World Grain editor, she opened a window on the worldwide grain industry and developed lasting relationships with readers and advertisers alike.”

Before joining Sosland Publishing, Ms. Alexander worked at the Kansas City Board of Trade from 1984 to 1990 as vice-president of public affairs.

She is survived by her husband, Jim, her mother, sister and two step-daughters.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 25, at Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kas.