Billie Melendy

Billie Lou (Burton) Melendy passed peacefully May 19, 2024, in her home surrounded by family.

Billie, 89, was born Sept. 3, 1934, in Enid to William A. Burton, Jr., and Lula Mae (Lou) Burton.

She was a 1953 graduate of Dover High School.

Billie married Dale Clark Melendy on 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 back-packs 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 Offi ce 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 89ers.

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; and her brother, Russell Burton.

Services were Friday, May 24, at First Christian Church in Hennessey offi ciated by Rev. Ish Engle. Burial followed at Hennessey Cemetery under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.

Donations may be made to Hennessey First Christian Church or Hennessey Farmerettes Club with the funeral home serving as custodian of the fund.