Connie Rhea Melton

Connie Rhea Melton entered this world on July 7, 1955, in Lookeba, Oklahoma. Life led her down a unique path, one that shaped her strength, her compassion, and the love she so generously shared throughout her years. On September 11, 2026, in Harrah, Oklahoma, Connie passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, and went home to the Lord at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, devotion, and kindness. Connie grew up in Harrah and proudly graduated from Harrah High School in 1973. From the very beginning, she carried a joyful spirit—one that delighted in making others smile. She loved to joke, tease, and playfully scare those around her, always with a twinkle in her eye. Her humor was a gift she shared freely. Connie found joy in life’s simple pleasures: bingo nights, card games, garage sales, rearranging her home just the way she liked it, and transforming spaces with her talent for wallpapering and redecorating. She was an exceptional cook, known far and wide for her fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and her legendary carrot cake—recipes that became traditions in the hearts of those who tasted them. And when she settled in to watch I Love Lucy, she laughed with the same wholehearted delight she brought to every part of her life.

On January 11, 1992, Connie married Royce Dirl Melton in Mineral Wells, Texas. Their years together were filled with companionship, devotion, and shared joy. Caring for others was woven into Connie’s very nature; she was a caregiver in every season of her life, offering comfort, support, and kindness wherever she went. In her later years, Connie treasured her time at the Harrah Senior Citizen Activity Center, where she found friendship, purpose, and community. She also found spiritual nourishment at Choctaw Road Baptist Church. Connie’s absence leaves a deep ache in the hearts of her family and friends, but her love remains—steady, warm, and everlasting.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Harrah Senior Citizen Activity Center and the Harrah Nursing Center for the exceptional care and compassion they showed Connie.

Connie is survived by her children, Sandra Shatswell and husband David of Harrah; Michelle Rhea Bailey of Toronto, Canada; and Jennifer Seger and husband Christian of Choctaw; her grandchildren, Stephanie Davis and husband Lucas of Choctaw; Eric Chambers and fiancée Kylee of Midwest City; and Samuel Royce Bingham of Toronto; and her great‑grandchildren, Laurel Davis and Parker Ray Davis. She is also survived by her siblings, Janice Maddox and husband Gary of Davis; Ivan Phillips; Ronnie Phillips; Clifford Peacock and wife Cindy of Calera; Larry Hobbs and wife Betty of Midwest City; Rex Hobbs and wife Linda of McLoud; Lyman Kionute Jr.; Evelyn Gail Kionute; Mildred Rose Kionute; Leonard Jake Kionute; Dana Ruth Kionute; and Billie Nell Kionute; her foster brother, Hank Wallraven; as well as many beloved relatives and friends.

Connie was preceded in death by her husband, Royce; her sister, Barbara Lynne Murrow; her brother, Ivan Arnold Lewis Jr.; her beloved maternal grandparents, Christine Sheymaye and George Toho Murrow; her foster parents, Al and Nell Wallraven, along with their son Mark Wallraven. 

Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Murray Cemetery in Binger, Oklahoma, with Leonard Kionute officiating.

Services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Hinton, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes.)

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