Melba Kelley

Melba Sibbella Kelley, 90, of High Ridge Missouri and former Lawrence resident died Saturday, March 5, 2011, at St. Clare Health Center, Fenton, MO. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.

Melba was born Dec. 7, 1920, in Jefferson County, Oklahoma, the daughter of Charles and Sibbellah (Wilson) Fulton and attended  Addington Schools.  She married Arnold L. Proctor in 1936 and they had a daughter, Charlene.  They were divorced in 1960.  In 1963 she married  W. Keith Kelley,  WWII veteran and former Principal  of Haskell Indian Junior College. Though an active member of the Southside Church of Christ,  Lawrence Pilot Club, and Knife and Fork Club, Melba’s truevocation was that of a professional Grandmother of the highest order. Her caring, wisdom, ingenuity and character touched and shaped the lives of those around her on a daily basis….

Melba’s  immense spirit will forever live on in her family; daughter, Charlene Tilford and husband  Lewis Tilford of High Ridge,MO.;  grandsons, Todd Tilford and wife Tammy, Keith Tilford and wife Mendy, and Eric Tilford and wife Rena;  five great-grandchildren, Dannielle Tilford, Cheyenne Tilford, Scarlet Tilford, Ivor Tilford, and Josephine Tilford.

The family suggests memorials to the Lawrence Pilot Club Projects Program.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 12 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until services time at the mortuary
 

3 Condolences

  1. David & Ann Wilson on March 8, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Dear Aunt Melba,

    To one of the sweetest, warmest persons to ever walk the face of this earth. You brought joy, excitement, laughter, fun and adventure to us every time we were around you. There are so many wonderful memories that we will cherish forever.
    We were so fortunate to know you and have you in our lives.

    To Charlene, Lewis, Todd, Keith & Eric and your families; we hope and pray the memory of your mother and grandmother will carry you through the years ahead. You are all in our many thoughts and prayers at this time.

    Sincerely,

    David & Ann Wilson



  2. Eric Scott on March 9, 2011 at 12:00 am

    Mrs. Tilford and Family:
    Thinking of you at your time of loss. May your memories comfort you as you celebrate your mother’s (grandmother’s)life. Peace, Prayers, and Blessings to you all. –Eric Scott



  3. Cynthia Burton on February 5, 2013 at 2:39 am

    Funny what you’ll find online. This was my great auntie Melba. She also lives on through her 3 nieces, Sharon, Shirley, Sandra and through their extended families. Summer visits to see aunt Melba were filled with wonderful food, laughter and the warmth of being home with family. I was overseas when she passed and miss her muchly. Our last correspondence was a birthday note she sent to our son….it said I love you. This is from your great, great auntie Melba..there was a $50 bill inside and a note reading: Nothing flash, nothing funny, just a little folding money. That was her lovely, effortless style. You are missed old girl!



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