Billie Lou (Burton) Melendy passed peacefully May 19th, 2024 in her home surrounded by family. Billie, 89, was born September 3, 1934 in Enid, Oklahoma to William A. Burton Jr, and Lula Mae (Lou) Burton. She was a 1953 graduate of Dover High School.
She married Dale Clark Melendy, June 14, 1953. She was a true servant, a devoted farm wife and mother.
She served her church in many ways extending from local, regional, and statewide roles. Some of the projects she was involved in included serving on the board, Sunday school teacher, CWF club, VBS, organized funeral dinners, hospitality backpacks for students, cooked homemade noodles for funeral dinners and baked fresh bread from scratch for communion. For her service to the church, she was honored with the deacon emeritus award.
Billie worked at the Enix Flower Shop, Bison Post Office and was a voter election official.
Billie could do anything. She was an award-winning painter, quilter, and seamstress at art and county fairs. She also knitted, crocheted, did ceramics and was an avid gardener. Billie was known for her meringue pies with the flakiest crusts.
She was always ready to help a neighbor or work in her community. She worked with the Hennessey Cultural Events Committee as co-chair of the Heritage Festival and was a longtime member, organizer, and secretary of the Hennessey 89er’s.
Billie was an active member of the Hennessey Farmerettes Club for 70 years. While a member she recruited many new members, served as club president multiple times, county OHCE president, and won multiple awards for canning, quilting, and club
scrapbooks. A member said her motto seemed to be make your best better, and she encouraged others to do the same.
Billie was preceded in death by her father and mother William and Lula Mae Burton.
Billie is survived by husband, Dale Melendy, daughters Christe Hancock, and Joyce Brown, and son Steve Melendy; grandsons Heath Huntsberger, Brooks Brown, and Ryley Melendy. Three great grandchildren, Angel Clepper, Destiny and Kyley Huntsberger and one great-great grandson, Elisha Lou Clepper. Her brother, Russell Burton.
Services will be held at the First Christian Church at 2:00 PM Friday, May 24, 2024 officiated by Rev. Ish Engle burial will follow at Hennessey Cemetery under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home. The family will receive guests at the Funeral Home Thursday May 23, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 PM.
Donations may be made to Hennessey First Christian Church or Hennessey Farmerettes Club with the funeral home serving as custodian of the fund.
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