Melba Ruth Esparza, 82, of Duncan, Oklahoma, completed her earthly journey and entered the presence of her Lord on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The family will receive visitors Monday, July 6, at Whitt Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Funeral services are planned for 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 7 in the Whitt Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Doug Passmore officiating. Interment will follow in the Marlow Cemetery.
Melba was born on September 27, 1943, in Randlett, Oklahoma, to John and Lillian (Turner) Jones. She graduated from Central High School and continued her education by attending college.
In 1975, Melba married the love of her life, Oscar Esparza, after the two met at the Carriage House in Fort Worth, Texas, where Oscar worked as a bartender. Together they built not only a beautiful life, but also several successful family businesses. They owned and operated Oscar's Restaurant, OM Grocery, and Creative Flowers at Highway 7 and 7 Mile Road for 13 years before retiring in the late 1980s. Their marriage was a wonderful testament to love and devotion, lasting 49 years until Oscar's passing in 2024.
Melba's greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved her children and grandchildren beyond measure. Her home was filled with love, encouragement, and unwavering support for those she cherished. Above all, Melba loved her Lord and Savior. She faithfully attended Central Baptist Church until her health no longer allowed her to do so. Her steadfast faith guided her throughout her life and remains a lasting legacy to those who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lillian Jones; her beloved husband, Oscar Esparza; son, Brent Eugene Coleman; daughter, Debra Denise Brown; and brothers: J.D. and David Ray Jones.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters: Brenda Rayna Esparza-Matthews and Teah Ruth Mosley and husband, James; her grandchildren: Ashley Dawn Kendrick and Timothy Kendrick, Shanika Lovett and husband, Seth, and Justin Young; her great-grandchildren: Brayden Falconer, Madison Kendrick, Lyric Kendrick, Asher Lovett, Zara Lovett, Serene Lovett, Kayla Young, Kelsey Young, Zadriana Young, and Velora Young; brother, Darrell Jones and wife Pam; son-in-law, Tommy Brown; along with many other relatives and dear friends who will forever treasure the love and kindness she shared throughout her life.
Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.
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