Melanie Harader

Melanie Faye (Estes) Harader passed away at her home early Wednesday, November 6, 2019, two days after her 46th birthday.  She was born to Billy Ray and Charlotte Lucille (Pettit) Estes on November 4, 1973 in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Traditional Tribal Services will be held in Melanie’s honor at the Otoe-Missouri Tribal Cultural Center.  Funeral Services will conclude Saturday, November 9, 2019, following the Noon Feast with Chairman John Shotton presiding. Pallbearers will be, John Shotton, Alvin Moore, Wes Hudson, Johnny Thornton, Calvin McBlair, Leon Rodriguez, Clayton Rodriguez and Reynaldo Perez.  Melanie’s services will end at the cultural center with her cremation to follow at a later date.

Melanie grew up in the local area, attending school and graduating from Perry High School in 1992.  She then continued her education at North Eastern State and Northern Oklahoma College, receiving her associate degree in Early Child Development.  Not long after graduating she married her best friend and soulmate; Scott Allen Harader on July 22, 1995.  They first made their home in Stillwater, then Ponca City before settling down in Newkirk.  Together Melanie and Scott raised two children, Lane Micheal and Dani Rose.

Melanie had a love for life that will be dearly missed by everyone that knew her.  She was known to be a “Momma Bear”, caring for everyone she knew, especially her family.  Her children were her pride and joy.  Melanie loved them fiercely. Her tribal heritage was important to her and she made a career of helping her Otoe-Missouri tribe family, working for the tribe for over 24 years.  She had a true green thumb and was an amazing gardener.  OSU and Mike Gundy always had a special place in Melanie’s heart.  She even dressed as Mike Gundy one year for Halloween. Los Portales in Ponca City was her favorite place to eat and chat with their wonderful employees which her family considers friends.  When it was time for vacationing Melanie was always on board for a Carnival Cruise.  She loved the voyage and seeing Mexico.  Melanie enjoyed her time mowing the yard.  It was sitting on the mower where she was able to relax away her stress.  At the end of the day she loved to sit on the front porch with her family and watch the sunsets paint pictures in the sky.

Melanie leaves behind her husband, Scott A Harader, son, Lane Harader, daughter, Dani Rose Harader, Siblings, Mahala Keller, Malinda Estes, Ada Mehojah, Mark Davis, Tony Estes, Calvin McBlair, in-law’s, Danny and Rose Harader and numerous, nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents and aunts.