Ruby Vermell "Mell" Alldread was born on October 8, 1930 in Stigler, Oklahoma to John Calvin & Minnie (Forbes) Willhite, one of seven children in the family. She passed from this life on August 15, 2006 at her home in Bixby, Oklahoma, as was her wish, surrounded by her daughters, sisters and her beloved grandchildren at the age of 75 years, 10 months & 7 days.

On June 20, 1957, she married Charles "Chuck" Alldread in Tulsa, and in January, 1966, they relocated to Bixby from Tulsa. In 1967, she opened a beauty salon (appropriately named "Mell's") and later moved the salon to Bixby's downtown area where it expanded to include a women's and children's clothing boutique known as the "Strawberry Patch." She was a charter member of the Bixby Pilot Club. In 1968, Mell and Chuck built one of the first homes along Stadium Rd. in Bixby. Following Chuck's death in December 2000 she remained in their Stadium Road home. Despite years of illness, she remained devoted to her many Bixby friends, the growing Bixby community, and the First United Methodist Church of Bixby. During those years following Chuck's death, First United Methodist Pastor Jessica Moffatt-Seay provided many special kindnesses and comforts to Mell and her family. She will always be remembered as an independent spirit, determined and courageous in her daily life. She had a sharp wit, an engaging laugh, and a beautiful, warm, smile. She touched those around her with her natural charm and grace. Most of all, however, Mell will be cherished and remembered for the great love she gave to her family. She exalted in family above all things, and her siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family could always count on her love no matter where, when, or what the circumstance.

Surviving Mell are her 3 daughters, Norma Elaine Grubbs and husband, Rick of Broken Arrow; Deborah Kay Miller and husband, Randy of Tulsa and Norma Kay Hendrix and husband, Danny of Bixby; six grandchildren, Stephan Wangsgard, Branton Wangsgard, Whitney Miller, Jacob Miller, Charlsey Hendrix, and Garrett Hendrix; six great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Of special note are Mell's three surviving sisters, Geneva Lorenz and late husband, Bob, Savannah Motley and husband, Larry; Winnie Lou Morgan and husband, George, as well as Mell's many nieces and nephews with which she enjoyed special times. She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Ted, Junior, and Pete Willhite.

Casket bearers were her grandchildren. Music was provided by Jessica Hemphill and Cindy Foster. The family asks that memorial gifts be directed to the Warren Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 6151 S. Yale #B103, Tulsa, OK 74136 or the St. Francis Hospice, 6600 S. Yale #350, Tulsa, OK 74136.