Melba Marion Rice, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 13, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

She was born on November 19, 1930, in Houlka, Mississippi, to Ortez and Edna Marion and grew up in the small community of Van Vleet. A gifted student, Melba graduated as valedictorian of Houston High School before attending Blue Mountain College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish. In 1952, she was awarded the prestigious Carnegie Fellowship in Teaching at George Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee, where she later earned her Master of Arts degree.

Melba's career reflected her passion for education and language. She began teaching Spanish at Blytheville High School in Arkansas and, in 1959, was selected to receive a Fulbright Scholarship. This remarkable opportunity allowed her to live and teach in Istanbul, Turkey, and travel extensively throughout Europe—including Spain, England, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, and Russia. These experiences enriched both her teaching and her love of culture.

Upon returning to the United States, Melba met and married Don Rice in 1962 in her parents' home in Van Vleet, Mississippi. Together, they built a life that took them to Florida, Michigan, and eventually Oklahoma. Melba taught English at Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa and later continued her career teaching English and Spanish at Mounds High School. In Mounds, she became an active member of the United Methodist Church, where she formed many lasting friendships and contributed deeply to her community.

In her later years, Melba thrived in a community of friends who cherished her quick wit, love of reading, and competitive spirit in Scrabble, crossword puzzles, and Wii bowling. She delighted in book clubs, theater, music, and lively conversation. Fiercely independent, endlessly curious, and always determined, she embraced life with grace and humor.

Melba is survived by her daughter, Susan Jeffreys; her stepson, Greg Rice; and her grandchildren, Nicklaus Jeffreys and Madeline Jeffreys. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald H. Rice, and her parents, Ortez and Edna Marion.

Melba will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, educator, and friend whose love of learning, adventure, and community touched many lives. She leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, kindness, and love that will be cherished by all who knew her.