Obituary for Melba Irwin

Melba Maye Irwin

June 1, 1927 – September 21, 2021

Melba Maye (Anderson) Irwin of Kildare, Oklahoma passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on September 21, 2021, at the age of 94 years.

She was born at home near Follett, Texas to Raymond and Mae (Dishen) Anderson on June 1, 1927. She grew up in the dust bowl days of the Oklahoma Panhandle and loved telling stories of her youth and riding her horse to school. Growing up, they lived on several farms around Slapout, Oklahoma, finally moving 1 miles west of Slapout. Melba graduated from high school at Laverne, Oklahoma.

Melba met the love of her life, Robert Lee Irwin, in Slapout, where he was dragging the only road in Slapout in a Model A car, spinning it around to go in the opposite direction. Melba and Robert were married on November 10, 1946, at the Woodard Baptist Church and were married nearly 61 years before Robert passed. They moved to the Kildare area in 1947 to farm, but moved back to the Slapout area to help Robert’s parents with their farming. After a bad year on the farm, they moved their young family back to Kay County and the Kildare area where they remained.

Melba was devoted to her husband and was and equal partner, working alongside her husband with the running of their farm and ranch, while making sure their children were raised in the church. She loved feeding her chickens and bottle calves and had many stories to tell of each.

Melba was a member of the Newkirk First United Methodist Church. She was also a proud member of the OHCE, joining the club the same year as her youngest child was born. She was a member of this Homemakers Extension group for 65 years. She loved sewing, embroidery work, quilting, canning, and providing food for her family.

Melba is survived by her four children and their spouses: Terry and Judy Irwin, Karen and Harlan Overman of Ponca City, Sharon and Scott Yoder of Broken Arrow, and Brenda and Dennis Schneeberger of Kildare. Ten grandchildren: Jennifer, Holly, Scott, Michelle, Bryan, Sean, Shana, Jason, Stacie, and Bradley; eighteen great grandchildren: Katelyn, Kendall, Jackson, MacKinzie, Nolan, Daniel, Colton, Cash, Emersynn, Kinsley, Allison, Reed, Henry, Ella, Bailee, MaCaila, Jacie, and Deylin, and one great great grandchild, Rylee; and one sister-in-law, Raymona Anderson.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, brother Richard and wife Norma, brother Curtis, and loving husband Robert, and two great grandchildren, Noah and Serena.

Melba influenced lives through living out her strength, hard work, and graciousness, compassion for others, and a deep faith and love of the Lord.

A public viewing will be held on Tuesday, September 28, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with family present from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Trout Funeral Home in Ponca City. Her funeral service will be held at the Newkirk First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 10:00 AM. The sanctuary is limited to family only. The fellowship Hall is open to 50 guests, but will be first come, first serve. Melba’s graveside service will follow at Newkirk Cemetery – all are welcome. Masks will be required at services.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution in Melba’s name to the Newkirk First United Methodist Church, PO Box 416, Newkirk, OK 74647. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home