Melba Lois Large, 85, passed away on October 30, 2026, at her home in Spiro, Oklahoma. Melba was born on November 23, 1940, in Pocola, Oklahoma to her parents Andy and Esta (Gregory) Pipkins.
Melba loved her grandchildren above all else, and they were the greatest joy of her life. She enjoyed dancing, gardening, and spending time outdoors. Melba was especially known for her delicious chicken and dressing, a favorite that many came to love. She shared her cooking secrets with others, showing them her special way of making dressing with “three pinches of this and a pinch of that,” passing along not only her recipes but also the love she put into everything she made.
Melba was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob Large, her son, Russell Andrew Mathis, her sisters, Mary Joyce Welker and Linda Pipkins, her brothers Tom Pipkins, Gary Pipkins and Paul David Pipkins.
Melba is survived by her children Chris Mathis and wife Peggy of Rayville, Missouri and Becky Devrow and husband Camp of Fort Smith, Arkansas; her brothers Aaron Pipkins, Roy Dan Pipkins and wife Shirley, Kenny Pipkins and wife Karen, and Gerald Pipkins and wife Nancy; seven grandchildren Joshua Mathis (Christina), Jessica Biddix and husband Adam, Jamie Mathis and wife Chloe, Winter Mathis and fiancé Justin, Brandon Ward and wife Ashley, Shellie Humphry and husband Josh, Amanda Chrismer and husband Jordan, four step grandkids, Jeremy Clayton, Daniela Devrow, Darlena Devrow and Jordan Brock; twenty two great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter along with a multitude of loved nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
The Celebration of Life Services for Melba will be held 11am – Monday, November 2, 2026, at The Cedars 520 Dewey Avenue Poteau, Oklahoma with Pastor Jason Krohn and TJ Holt officiating and burial to follow at Macedonia Cemetery in Pocola, Oklahoma. The Family of Melba Large will greet friends from 2pm – 4pm on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at The Cedars on Dewey 520 Dewey Ave Poteau, Oklahoma. Casket bearers will be Ryan Pipkins, Ross Pipkins, Matt Welker, Andy Pipkins, Brad Hancock, Kelly Pipkins and Jaycen Pipkins
Online condolences can be made at www.holtfuneralandcremation.com
“Through Love, Serve One Another”
The Family of Melba Lois Large has entrusted her arrangements to Holt Funeral and Cremation, 522 Dewey Ave Poteau, OK 74953, (918) 721-0026. Poteau’s Only 100% Locally Owned and Family Operated Funeral Home – Our Family, Loving Your Family Through
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