Melinda Sharum

Melinda Gayle Sharum November 9, 1962 July 31, 2022 Melinda Gayle Sharum was born in Dumas, Texas on November 9, 1962 to Clarence and Waunetta Whittenberg. She was raised in the Texas Panhandle before moving to Oklahoma at the age of ten and later graduated from Shawnee High School in 1981. Melinda was a vibrant, strong, patient, and loving woman. She demonstrated these qualities through her commitment to her Christian faith, the love she held for her sons and family, her sense of humor that saw her through tough times, and the unwavering love and support for her husband, Gary Sharum. Melinda devoted over 25 years to Mercy Hospital where she excelled in her career within the Human Resources division. She worked her way to the role of Director in Fort Smith, Arkansas, was promoted to Executive Director in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and later served as Executive Director in Oklahoma City. While enjoying success in her career, Melinda obtained her Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management in February 2019, which was a personal goal of hers. Melinda loved the people she worked with and used her talents to bring people together, instilling in them a love for life, loyalty, friendship, commitment, and a love for God. Melinda always looked out for others with love and kindness and developed many lifelong friendships over the years. Melinda enjoyed many hobbies. In her spare time, one could find her baking sweet treats, tending to her plants, soaking up sun by the pool, reading, crocheting, playing with her ornery doodle, Stella, and playing board games or working puzzles with her family. People loved to listen to Melinda tell stories, especially when she did impersonations. She had the gift of hospitality, opening her home to anyone and making sure her food pantry was always stocked. And of course, she loved her Oklahoma Sooners. No matter the activity, she was always a joy to be around. Melinda passed peacefully on July 31, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will strive to honor her legacy. Melinda is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Waunetta Whittenberg. She is survived by her husband, Gary Sharum, her sons, Robby (Scott) Williams, Brady Williams, and Zach Williams and their spouses, Tanner, Alisha, and Emma, respectively, her stepson, Neal Sharum and his wife, Tiffany Sharum, her stepdaughter, Lindsey Sharum, and her grandchildren, Gannon, Parker, Jude, Addie, Jax, and Camden. She is also survived by her siblings, Maurice (Mo) Whittenberg and Marianne Whittenberg Hudson, her nephew, Nate Totten, and her nieces, Kelsey McBride, Bayli Werner, and Rebecca Whittenberg. Melinda's memorial service will be held Friday, August 5th at 1:00 p.m. at Metropolitan Bible Church in Oklahoma City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Melinda's name to Mercy Health Foundation's Oklahoma City Cancer Care project