Melba K. Buchanan

Melba K. Buchanan-Bethel, 60, of Altamont, passed away the morning of Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at her home.

Melba Kay Cook was born on August 13, 1964, to Robert Lee and Katherine Marilyn Louise (Earls) Cook in Long Beach, California.  She was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation.

Her life centered around the care of her family. She was known as Granny to many for her loving and generous spirit.  Melba danced her way through life.  She loved her family, music, dancing, and cats.

Survivors include:

Her husband – George Robert Bethel, of the home

One son – Smokey Lee Buchanan and his fiancé, Chastity Kennedy of Kansas

Two daughters – Kristina Talley of Kansas

Chona Lawson of Oklahoma

13 grandchildren – Emery Smith, Brylee Buchanan, Krystin Hogue-Edwards, Lauren Kim, Sidney Gallagher, Briley May, Kelcee Bethel, Brian Smith and his wife, Kierston, Hayden Smith, Dakota Smith, Dominick Bethel, Wyatt Bethel

Eight great-grandchildren – Victoria Taylor, Parker O'Neil, Daniel Bethel, Cade Edwards, Raelynn Edwards, Cayson Bethel, Rowland Edwards, and Braydon Edwards

One brother – Ricky Cook of McAlester, Oklahoma

One sister – Tena Boatright of Clayton, Oklahoma

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Ivan Buchanan and George Levi Bethel; and one sister, Iva Ayers.

Cremation is under the direction of the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Altamont.  No service has been planned at this time.