Melba Bullard Goerke Flesher
September 3, 1929-December 17, 2013
Melba Flesher peacefully passed away on December 17, 2013 at the age of 84. She was the daughter of Harold and Vaughn Bullard. Melba had a distinguished career in education, having received her master’s degree in special education. She was the special education coordinator for Watonga public schools and later Mustang public schools. Melba also taught courses at the college level and was involved in numerous organizations in her professional field, including governor of the Counsel for Exceptional Children. Melba was married to Cranston Flesher, who predeceased her. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Kimri Ann Goerke; her brothers Jerry Bullard, Lewis Bullard, and Jack Bullard; and her parents. Melba is survived by her sons Kyle Goerke and Joe Goerke as well has her stepchildren, Laurie Ashford (Jim); Baker Flesher (Brenda); and Tom Flesher (Cindy). Melba’s surviving brothers are Max Bullard (Genine) and Ralph Bullard (Starley). Her grandchildren include Austin Goerke, Kale Goerke, Zakrey Goerke, Amber Goerke, Kimri Goerke, Morgan Goerke, Brad Ashford, Brian Ashford, Cate Flesher, Jake Flesher, Paul Flesher and Philip Flesher. Also predeceasing Melba was the father of her children, Earl E. Goerke. Services will be held on Monday, December 23, beginning 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church in Watonga, Oklahoma with graveside services following at 3:30 pm at Memorial Park Cemetery located at 13313 N. Kelley in Edmond Oklahoma. Viewing will be held at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday and at Wilkinson Funeral Home in Watonga from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210 `in honor of Melba’s daughter, Kimri Ann Goerke.
Melba was a sweet and gracious woman. She was a dear friend to everyone in the office at Mustang. She will be greatly missed by all. My late husband, who was the superintendent, highly respected her and loved to “torment” her. She always responded with a laugh.
Willa Mae Rowley
Melba and I had offices next to each other at the Mustang Public Schools Administration office. Melba was such a lovely lady and sweet person and a dear friend to me. She hosted a Christmas bruch for all the ladies in our office each year, and it was quite an occasion.
She joined a club I was in and became such a valued member of the club. She was so much fun and loved to fix great foods and take part in the activities. We talked by phone occasionally after she moved to Edmond and then to Watonga.
Several of us from the office are going to try to come to her funeral if the roads will allow it at all. We certainly want to honor her.
I do not know how to contact any of her family personally, but I do want all of you to know how much she loved you. You have my deepest sympathy. You have lost a treasure!
Ann Moore
The perfect descriptor for our Melba is “gracious”! Whether she was working with a frustrated parent, planning the best possible educational services for a special child, advising those of us who were blessed to work with her—or simply dealing with life and all of its challenges, Melba was the consummate lady. She truly made a difference to so many of us, and she will be missed. We loved her! Thank you, Melba, for making us better people, more effective educators, and grateful friends. Cherrie Steele
Nicol and I are saddened at the loss of the mother of our friend Joe.
We did not know Melba, but to have raised such a fine son is clear proof of how wonderful a person she must have been.
Her many acomplishments will continue to forward goodness to all who were influenced by her.
Our thoughts are with her entire circle of family and friends.