Melinda Lee Lolley was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She passed peacefully in Methodist Hospital while recovering from a triple bypass procedure.

Melinda was born in Caney, Kansas to Melvin Maddox and Eunice Wilson. Melinda attended Caney High School and after graduation attended Tulsa University where she met her one true love, Douglas Lolley. While at Tulsa she was an active member of the Chi Omega Sorority and worked diligently to put herself through school where she graduated in 3 years with a 4.0 GPA and a double major.

Melinda and Doug were married for 40 years, and upon graduation from Tulsa together, they headed West. It was in San Francisco where her 2 children, Michael and Lisa were born.

Melinda loved to travel and was fortunate to take many adventures with her dear friends and family to places like Africa, Europe, China, Australia, Tahiti, and of course, her favorite, Mexico.

She was an ambitious worker who started in the banking industry working her way up until she ultimately became bank president of several different locations. It was while she was working in banking where she really developed her community spirit working with several organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and NAM where she served on the board. Another community undertaking she was extremely proud of was her Women's Business Forum where she forged many lasting relationships.

Melinda was an avid reader; she loved her Kindle and would often tell the story of her COVID year or isolation when she read over 340 books. Another hobby she developed was a passion for dominoes where she participated in several Mexican train groups.

Melinda loved to entertain with dinner parties and was known to partake in the occasional glass of white wine or Grey Goose martini. She was an amazing cook who loved making fried chicken or chicken fried steak for her friends and family.

Melinda was often asked why she didn't remarry to which she would reply that she, "got it right the first time." She had many favorite sayings, but I think her most favorite was, "choose to be happy."

In the end it was her friends and family she cared most about. She cherished her grandchildren and was always willing to share her guidance as her final favorite phrase was, "the only do overs you get in life are with your grandkids."

Melinda is survived by her two children Michael Kent Lolley and Lisa Michelle Jackson as well as her four grandchildren Christopher and Matthew Lolley and Jaime and Cole Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Melinda's name to NAM (Northwest Assistance Ministries) .