Melba Lou Gillham was born on January 26, 1942 in Hugo, OK, the daughter of Hurshel Gillham and Oleta (Morton) Gillham.  She departed from this life on February 11, 2023 in Hugo, Oklahoma at the age of 81 years.  Melba is preceded in death by her parents, Hurshel and Oleta Gillham; brothers, Don Gillham and Howard Gillham.

Melba was a 1960 graduate of Hugo High School and lived her entire life in the Hugo area.  She retired from Choctaw Electric in 2010 where she made lifelong friendships and was known for her beautiful smile.  Melba's home was a joyful gathering place for her family, friends, grandchildren, and the neighborhood kids that gathered to play basketball, baseball, ride bikes and scooters.  She loved being outdoors creating a glorious, flowered landscape.  Inside her home was a beautifully displayed tribute to her interior decorating talents.  Melbas greatest joy in life was her family and the time she spent with them.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Melba is survived by her daughters, Kim Robertson and husband Greg of Hugo, OK, Kelly Lindsey and husband Argus of Soper, OK, Katherine Kerr and husband Darrell of Hugo, OK, and Kristi Ferguson and husband Charlie Machell of Sawyer, OK; brother, Bob Gillham and wife Carol of Broken Bow, OK; sister, Suzie Thomas and husband Quentin of Woodstock, GA; grandchildren, Kalyn Holbert, Nicole and Cameron Woodruff, Jackie and Cory Robinson, Jordan and Clay Mack, Brody Caston and Keely Thurman, Laura Caston and Garrett Neese, Jodie Caston and Maya Moore; great-grandchildren, Makenna Holbert, Jaleigh Loper, Jace Loper, Isabelle Woodruff, Hayden Robinson, Grayson Robinson, Harlowe Robinson, Clacee Mack, and Carson Caston; along with a host of other relatives and friends.