Melba Stephenson

Melba Maryanne Stephenson passed from this life on April 28, 2025, at the age of 83, with her family by her side at her home in Cleveland, Oklahoma.

Melba was born on December 8, 1941, in Westwego, Louisiana the daughter of Abby and Virginia (Guidro) Landry. Melba grew up and attended grade school in Westwego later moving with her family to California. Melba’s family later moved to Dallas Texas where she worked as a waitress at Kip's Big Boy. During that time, she met the love of her life Robert Louis Stephenson. In January of 1962, Melba and Bob were united in marriage, they remained in Dallas for 13 years before moving to Tulsa in 1975. In 1976, Melba and Bob moved to their current home in Cleveland. Melba worked several jobs through the years from waitressing to sewing custom purses and eventually going on to work at both Homeland and Walmart until she finally retired.

Melba enjoyed sewing, she made lots of clothing and purses through the years, She also enjoyed being outdoors and working in the garden, she had quite the green thumb. Melba and Bob always enjoyed being in the country. Melba was a member of the Tulsa Lighthouse Church and loved her church family. Holidays and family gatherings were always special to Melba; she loved being together and spending time with her friends and family. Any opportunity to offer coffee or a bite to eat she would not pass by, southern hospitality was just her nature.

Melba is survived by her husband Bob of the home, one daughter Stephanie Bachlor and husband Ross; one step daughter Carol Lowery and husband Rusty, seven grandchildren Rusty Stephenson Jr and wife Chelsea , Ashley Tillman and husband Chris, Natasha Ahlborn and husband Adam, John Baker and wife Karen, Dylan Bachlor, Austin Bachlor, Madison Bachlor; great grandchildren Cheyenne, Cloey, Clayton, Katie, Stephen, Zane, Bailey, Faithlynn, Zoey, Seth and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Melba was preceded in death by her parents; one son Rusty Stephenson Sr, and two sisters Velna Kerby and Anne Phillips.

Melba was known formany things through the years she was a loving wife, nurturing mother, a loving Aunt, and a fantastic grandmother. She had quit the list of nicknames given to her from those she loved. Honey, Sweet Melba, mama, Mom, Auntie, Aunt Melba, and Nena. She always put others before herself, knew right when to give you a call, and gave the best hugs. She will be missed, but her memory lives on.