Melba Cuzick

Melba Cuzick was the youngest child of 17 siblings, born to Rufus Walter Cuzick and Maggie E. (Hamilton) Cuzick in Stilwell, Oklahoma. She went home to be with the Lord on June 14, 2021 at the age of 79 years, 3 months and 17 days.

Melba grew up in the Piney Community and walked many times up and down the dirt road to attend grade school at the Piney School House. Melba graduated from Stilwell High School in 1960, joining the United States Air Force in November 1960. Melba proudly served active duty as a personnel specialist in intelligence and was honorably discharged from active duty October 6, 1964 as per military regulations upon the upcoming arrival of her first child, Rhonda.

During the next several years Melba's role became that of a military wife and mom at which she thrived. Again serving, she was at the helm of many PTA committees, bake and yard sales and Girl Scout Leader, even serving at the district level on the Council Bluff Girl Scout District in Omaha, Nebraska and also serving on the Mount Magazine Girl Scout Council. Melba took many Girl Scout camping trips, hikes and could make the best farmer's breakfast over a campfire.

Being a military wife, Melba helped her family move, settle in and thrive in many states and Germany. Again, her servant heart took her to re-enlist in the Air Force Reserves Intelligence Division. Melba was very proud of her country and honored the flag for what it represented.

In later life, Melba was one of her grandkids biggest sport fans and could be found on the sidelines at a soccer match with her family. Melba, known to her grandkids and great grandkids as "Mo Mo", could make the best spaghetti and always had something for them to do.

She was preceded in death by her parents, all but two siblings and grandson, Ryder Gayge Harmon.

Melba leaves to mourn her passing, her daughters, Rhonda Lynn (Broad) Gann, Tammy Rae (Broad) Paden and husband Glen Paden of Stilwell, their children, Steven Wade Paden and wife Summer Paden of Claremore, Sarah Grace Hernandez and husband Alec Hernandez of Stilwell; great granddaughters, Sloan Grace Paden and Saylor Sunshine Paden (due October 2021) of Claremore, RaeLynn (Broad) Harmon and husband Jamie Harmon and their children, Greyson Lee Harmon and Rylee Marie Harmon and Joe Broad all of Stilwell; one sister, Eva Mae Redfern of Van Buren and one brother, Sam Cuzick of Lebanon, OR and her beloved basset hound, Tilly. Many relatives, other family and friends also survive her.