Barbara (Sanders) Melott

Barbara June (Sanders) Melott took her last breath while on hospice at her daughter’s residence on December 23, 2023.

Barbara was born August 11, 1939 in Tecumseh, Oklahoma to Noah Benjamin and Mabel Girldean (Tanner) Sanders. Barbara was one of thirteen children of her parents.  Barbara’s nickname was “ Barbie June” and attended Black school and graduated from Bethel High School in 1957.

She married her high school sweetheart, Roger Kenneth Melott in Shawnee, Oklahoma on July 7, 1958. Roger and Barbara had 4 children during their 29 year marriage and three sons and one daughter: Justin Keith, Roger Allen, Anthony Joe and Rogina Marie.  Roger and Barbara divorced in January 1988 and she never remarried.  Barbara had 9 grandchildren and about 14 great- grandchildren. 

She is survived by one brother Paul and Jane Sanders of Shawnee, Oklahoma; two sons: Roger Melott of Watonga, Oklahoma, Anthony Joe Melott of Springer, Oklahoma; one daughter and son-in-law, Rogina and Juan Lopez of McLoud, Oklahoma; 9 grandchildren, Joseph Kenneth Melott ,Justin Keith Melott, Jr. Dustin Heath Melott, Amber Dawn, Autumn Dione,  Phillip Kyle Melott, Kendra Lane Tooman, Kayla Michelle Anderson, Waylan Joe Franklin Melott, Wyatt Austin Lopez, Rusty Antonio Lopez, and Joaquin “ JJ” Juan Lopez: and about 14 great-grandchildren. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, twelve of her siblings, her former spouse Roger and her first born son, Justin Keith Melott.

Barbara was a homemaker for many years but also worked many jobs outside the home when needed.

She loved to travel and volunteer in many organizations. She volunteered as an American Legion Auxiliary member of Tecumseh Post #260 for the weekly Thursday and Saturday evening dances.  She greeted many dancers by collecting their ticket monies and getting a friendly hug and smile for over 25 years.  She was loved by all that became her friend.

Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 28, 2023 and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 29, 2023. Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2023 at Brown's Cemetery, under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh, Oklahoma.