Melba Dora Kirkpatrick

Melba Dora Kirkpatrick, 96, of Abilene, Texas, passed away peacefully the evening of April 18, 2023. Visitation will be from 5:30-6:30 PM, Monday, April 24 ^th at Southern Hills Church of Christ, 3666 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM at Southern Hills Church of Christ on Tuesday, April 25 ^th .

Melba was born in Bryson, Texas to Floyd and Johnie Bennett on May 23, 1926. She attended school in Bryson and completed her education at Draughon’s Business College. On April 20, 1950, Melba married the love of her life, William Lee Kirkpatrick (Bill) in Fort Worth, Texas. They continued to reside in Fort Worth where she worked as both a bookkeeper and a homemaker. Together, they raised four daughters.

Melba’s home was always open to friends or soon to be friends. She was a fabulous cook and was never afraid to try new recipes with her company. Melba owned a tablecloth that her guests would sign and date. It is a testament to how many people she welcomed in her home and how much she valued each one. No one was a stranger. All felt special and loved.

Melba loved her family as much as they loved her. But more than anything, she had a profound faith and love for her Lord. She was a wonderful example to her family and friends of a selfless Christian woman.

Bill and Melba moved to Abilene in 1985 to be close to family, where they attended Southern Hills Church of Christ. While living in Abilene, she and Bill served as house parents at Christian Homes. Melba also served as a volunteer with Hospice of the Big Country.

Even in her 80’s and early 90’s, Melba brought gifts to practically every baby or wedding shower, whether she knew the family well or not. She was always there with food when there was illness or a death in someone’s family. Melba loved to play games with friends and family, and she loved to laugh.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Doris Orr of Bastrop, Texas; her son-in-law, Phil Gage of Coppell, Texas; and granddaughter, Rachel Gage of Coppell, Texas.

She is survived by her husband Bill; daughter, Debby Gage of Abilene; daughter, Becky Kirkpatrick of Abilene; daughter, Nancy Morgan (Kelly) of Abilene; and daughter, Leah Percival (Kevin) of Lodi, California.

Melba is also survived by her adoring grandchildren: Zachary Percival (Taylor), Jennifer Percival, Julia Schiewe (Jeremy), Sam Morgan (Amy), Matthew Morgan (Lauren), Meredith Horn (John), Katie Hathorn (Nathan), and Christopher Morgan (KaSarah). She is also survived by 18 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christian Homes of Abilene at https://christianhomes.com/give-today/ .