Melba Warledo

Melba Jo KentWarledo

On the beautiful fall morning of October 19, 2012, Melba Jo KentWarledo, Chedahami Buffalo Woman went to be with the Lord when He called her name.

Melba was born to Gail Collier and Nina Lavers Kent on December 15, 1933 in Pawnee, Ok. She was raised in the Red Rock, Oklahoma community and was a proud member of the Otoe Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma of the Buffalo clan. Melba was an original founding member of the Oklahoma City Pow Wow Club. She worked on the non profit organizations Oklahoma Indian Council and the Otoe Okies.

Melba enjoyed singing traditional language songs at Angie Smith Methodist Church, Oklahoma City and the Red Rock Baptist Church. She was committed to her employment with the Indian Public Health System during this time she held many positions and worked in the Oklahoma City and Claremore locations. Melba retired and made her home in Red Rock. Melba was a determined player of dominos and enjoyed attending Pow Wows where she had many acquaintances.

Family was important to Melba, mother of daughters Jami Warledo of Red Rock Ok Denise Narcomey of Claremore Ok Betty Posey of Ponca City, Ok. Melba made many friends and longtime associates with special support from Mrs. Virginia Bear and her sister Joann Failing and her lifelong friend Pharabe Botone. Melba was a dedicated fan of the Frontier School sports teams where her grandchildren attended and who were successful in State competitions. Melba was the center of her remaining Kent family.

Family members preceding her in death are her parents Gail Collier and Nina Mae LaversKent. Her siblings preceding her are Lawana Fern KentBrown Geraldine KentHarris and Vernon Kent.Other members awaiting Melba on the other side are daughter Mignon Warledo nephews Luke Harris Jr., Franklin Lowe, Aaron Brown, Mike Brown nieces Connie Gayle Harris and Karen BrownLowe. Also preceding is Melbas Grandson Vernon Manley who went before her in February 2012 her Great grandchild eight Uncles and Aunties.

Melba has left a lasting impression of a lifetime of teaching to the surviving family members including eleven nieces and 1 nephew. Her blood runs through the living memory of her grandchildren. A generation of 25 grandchildren and 40 Great Grandchildren and a host of friends and associates who will remember her by the stories of Tribal and family history.

Melba will be remembered in our hearts, actions and memories of a great example of a strong Native American woman who provided for family and friends alike. Her lifes path will be followed by descendants with respect, Tribal and Community support and the love of the original Kent family, the story continues on from the 1920s when Melbas parents met at the Chillocco Indian Boarding School.

Casket bearers will be James Bible, Ronnie Bible, Clint Bible, Collier Henderson, Chebon Henderson, Waylon Lasley Sr, Waylon Lasley Jr, Derek Bible, Jami Henderson.

Honorary Casket Bearers are Trajan Pratt, Terrance Manley, Jo Jay Manley, Joseph Loving, Chris Harris, Adrian Brown, Robert Brown, Luke Tyner, John Star Big horse 111, Stephen Hand.

Service will be Monday, October 22, 2012 at 2:00pm at the OtoeMissouria Cultural Center, presided by Gary Whitecloud and Pastor Jimmy Kenner. Funeral services are provided by Grace Memorial Chapel.