Melanie Kay Palmer

1975 - 2025

Melanie Kay Palmer
September 24, 1975 – December 6, 2025

Melanie Kay Palmer was born on September 24, 1975, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and passed from this life on December 6, 2025. She grew up and lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she graduated from Rogers High School and laid the foundation for a life devoted to learning, service, and love.

Melanie earned both her bachelor’s degree in teaching and her master’s degree in English literature from Northeastern State University. She shared her passion for education as an adjunct professor at Tulsa Community College and continued serving students through volunteer work as a substitute teacher. Deeply involved in her children’s education, she also volunteered on parent committees at Undercroft Montessori School, where her boys attended.

Above all, Melanie’s greatest joy was her family. She was the perfect, sweet wife to her husband, Brett, and a constant, loving presence in the lives of her sons, Nyal, Orin, and Louis. Melanie poured her heart into supporting her boys at home, at school, and at countless sports activities.  She deeply loved her sisters Bronwen, Debbie and Julie, her brother John, her friends, and adored her dogs, Annie and Rocco, who were also cherished members of her family.

Melanie found joy in writing, reading, listening to music, cooking for those she loved, and rewatching Gilmore Girls—again and again. Some of her most treasured moments were spent on beach vacations, toes in the sand, surrounded by family. She was known for her generosity and compassion, frequently donating to Compassion International, Wild Heart Ranch Rehabilitation, and helping the homeless in Tulsa.

Our family is deeply saddened that our beloved and beautiful Melanie has joined her Mama in heaven. While our hearts are heavy at the loss of our bold, bright light, we trust that sometimes the Lord has plans our earthly hearts cannot fully comprehend.

Melanie is survived by her husband, Brett Palmer; her sons, Nyal, Orin, and Louis; her sisters, Bronwen Palilla, Debbie Schmitz, and Julianne Burton; and her brother, John Schmitz.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at First Methodist Church Tulsa, in Thomas Hall. Family and friends are invited to come say their goodbyes and honor a life lived with kindness, strength, humor, and love.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Melanie’s memory to Pet Adoption League or Wild Heart Ranch Rehabilitation.

Melanie was sweet, beautiful, caring, strong-willed, and deeply compassionate. She will be missed more than words can express!    

Arrangements are under the direction of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services 35 S Main in Kellyville, Ok 74039, 918-247-7373