Melba Marie Forsythe

Melba Marie Forsythe, age 99, of Claremore, Oklahoma, and formerly of Ulysses, Kansas, died Saturday, January 12, 2019, at Emerald Nursing Home in Claremore. She was born June 26, 1919, in Waller, Texas, the daughter of J.C. and Ethel (Dickson) Forgay.

Melba grew up in Texas and Sayer, Oklahoma. She owned and operated Smart Shop, a dress shop, in Ulysses. Melba was married to Turney Austin for 20 years, he preceded her in death in 1961. She married Harlan “Fuzz” Forsythe on October 28, 1967, in Dodge City, Kansas. Melba was a member of Shelton Memorial Christian Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, was on a bowling league, and was active at the Grant County Senior Center. She also enjoyed traveling, dancing, camping, and time spent with family.

Melba is survived by her daughter, Pat Forbes of Claremore, Oklahoma; two grandchildren, Bret Forbes and wife Betty, and Stacy Anderegg and husband Don; four great-grandchildren, Wesley Forbes and wife Christy, Eric Forbes, Jennifer Kilpatrick and husband Tim, and Rind Crow and husband Neal; and six great-great-grandchildren, Bailey Forbes, Blayne Forbes, Bryon Forbes, Kizer Kilpatrick, Aubree Forbes, and Laken Kilpatrick.

Melba is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Turney Austin and Fuzz Forsythe in 1986; son, Ralph Austin; three brothers and one sister.

Funeral service will be Friday, January 18, 2019, at 10:00 AM at Garnand Funeral Home Chapel in Ulysses with Reverend Kelly Gindlesberger officiating. Interment will be at Ulysses Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Grant County Senior Center in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.