Melba Ruth Oliver

Melba passed peacefully into her heavenly home November 19, 2024, prepared by her heavenly Father, Jesus Christ (John 14: 2-3). She was born June 1, 1928 in rural Texas, to John Henry Polk and Julia Elizabeth (Roberts) Polk. The family later settled in Lufkin, Texas, where she graduated from Lufkin High School. After various jobs locally she met and married Evangelist Rev. Claude McDonald. She was very active in support of his evangelistic travels throughout the country and in his pastorate at Downtown Baptist Church in Oklahoma City and Sooner Baptist Church in Del city, until his death in 1998.

Melba later worked as a receptionist at Bone & Joint Hospital in Oklahoma City. She then was employed by Conn Organ in Oklahoma City and became an award winning sales person . Melba was an accomplished organist and pianist and served as such for many years at Downtown Baptist Church in Oklahoma City and Sooner Baptist Church in Del City. She also was a pianist for almost 20 years for a Senior Adult Bible Class at Meadowood Baptist Church in Midwest City. Melba was kind to everyone she met. She had a host of friends who came to know and love her because of her kind, gentle Christian demeanor, captivating smile and laughter.

Melba married Ira Oliver in May, 1999, and they thoroughly enjoyed a loving relationship for more than 25 years, including his more than 20 years as Senior Adult Bible Class teacher. After his retirement from the US Air Force, they enjoyed traveling with friends, including many overseas locations, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Quebec Canada, and especially many trips to Branson with church friends.

Melba is survived by her husband Ira, sister Joy Johnson of San Antonio, TX, nephews, Walter and Mark Polk of San Antonio, and several nephews and nieces, and step-sons, Daryl Oliver of Denver CO, and Kevin Oliver of Midwest City.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Marcus and Homer Polk, and sisters, Lois Bishop, Rachel Emanis, and Belle Skinner.