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Melton, Barbara Jean

October 7, 1946 –
 February 23, 2018

Obituary

Barbara Jean Melton died on February 23, 2018, at the age of 71, of small cell lung cancer.  Barbara was born in Atmore, Alabama on October 7, 1946 to Lola Mae (Culver) and Thomas Albert Melton.  Although she left the South as a young child, with her mother and sister, she embraced her southern roots.  She was raised primarily in Lawton, Oklahoma by her mother and stepfather, Lieutenant Colonel Donald P. McCutchen. She graduated from Lawton High School in 1964.  Barbara was married to Nick Richards of Lawton from 1967 – 1983.  They had one child together, Nicole Richards.  Barbara attended Cameron University, from which she received a Bachelor of Business Administration.  Since 1986, she had been living in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, where she had a successful career in the health insurance industry.  Along the way, she developed many long-lasting friendships. Barbara enjoyed good food and wine, cooking, reading, music, dancing, art, and travel.  She loved spending time with family including her extended family throughout the country.  She was outgoing, fun, classy, smart, witty, honest, thoughtful and caring.  She was the best mother and friend I could have ever wanted. She is preceded in death by her father, mother, and stepfather. Survivors include her daughter, Nicole Richards; sister, Elizabeth Pearson; nephew, David Loudenback and niece, Mary Loudenback Hart; two aunts, Mary (Culver) Herring and Wilma Houston Culver; two of her mother’s cousins, Gene Culver and Virginia (Culver) Snyder; her first husband, Nick Richards, thirteen cousins, and several great nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation at www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org “If you had not have fallen Then I would not have found you Angel flying too close to the ground And I patched up your broken wing and hung around a while Trying to keep your spirits up and your fever down I knew someday that you would fly away For love’s the greatest healer to be found So leave me if you need to, I will still remember Angel flying too close to the ground Fly on, fly on past the speed of sound I’d rather see you up than see you down So leave me if you need to, I will still remember Angel flying too close to the ground. So leave me if you need to, I will still remember Angel flying too close to the ground.” —Willie Nelson Arrangements under the direction of: ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home  19310 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700

    Peggy Evans
    6 Mar 2018
    4:39pm

    Barbara was a really good friend of 25 years. Some of the closest times we had were in the last nine months while she was getting radiation or chemo. Once when she was exhausted, I laid next to her on the bed while we talked. We ended up telling stories and laughing with great joy.

    She fought hard to stay with us. She was stronger than I thought.

    Barbara knew my heart so she has to know now that my heart will miss her a lot. I’ll never forget.

    Peggy

    Kathryn Wilks
    7 Mar 2018
    11:02am

    Barb & I became best friends in the 3rd grade. We played dolls in the beginning, traded that for rock and roll music and boys as we progressed through Jr. High and High School. She was always fun, a good student, and a loyal friend. Our lives took different directions, yet the memories stay dear to my heart. Her quick wit, deep gravelly voice were always so unique.

    I’m grateful to have known her in a personal way. My deepest condolences to Nicole and all Barb’s family. May GOD keep you in HIS love and care.
    Karlann Bonifield Wilks

    Steve Johnson
    13 Mar 2018
    12:45pm

    I met Barbara when she was a student at Cameron University. She was a wonderful person, full of fun and I will always remember her with love. She was a great mother to Nicole and I am sorry I lost touch with her. My prayers are with Nicole and Barbara’s family.

    Karla Candelaria
    15 Mar 2018
    12:03am

    I am so sad to hear of your mother’s passing. The time I spent with Barbara (we were coworkers) was so enjoyable. I was fond of her laughter and her directness; I appreciate both those qualities in a person. Professionally, she was an awesome coworker and she took pride in her work. She spoke of you often and was very proud of you. I know you will miss her terribly as we st FEP will. My prayers are with you as you adjust to your beautiful mother’s physical presence. Take care.

    Tamara Sheely Summers
    23 Mar 2018
    8:59pm

    Nicole, I am sorry for the belated response but wanted to collect my thoughts and say what a beautiful tribute this is to your sweet mom. You are right, she was true to her Southern roots in her hospitality and love of life! You hit the jackpot with a great mom who was also a friend, but the reverse is also true: Barbara could not have asked for a more loving, devoted daughter! She was always proud of you and counted herself lucky to have you as a friend as well. You are undoubtedly the best thing that ever happened to her! Please know that we continue to hold you close in our hearts.

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Testimonials

R. Driver
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"Excellent customer service, they made you feel like you were their only customer. Very helpful and explained what we should expect during the process. They basically took care of our needs during this time. They contacted DFW National Cemetery for us which made it a smooth experience. Definitely will use them again."
K. Barker
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"I was amazed how professional the team at Aria Funeral Preston Dallas Texas are. They guided me through the process and my options of their services that they offered for my mother. They are compassionate, caring, calm, good listener, efficient and did an excellent job! Thank you!"
R. Woll
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"If I could give 6 stars I would. Aria made a difficult easier to deal with by basically taking care of everything in an efficient but very empathetic manner. I can speak highly enough of Dusty Martin, who helped us with all of the planning and logistics. He was incredibly understanding and helpful."
Angel M.
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"Nothing prepares you for the grief you go through when losing a child. I called this funeral home at 2:00 am broken and could barely talk. The amount of compassion and empathy they showed me immediately let me know I found the right place to cremate my son. I cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, SINCERE concern, and commitment to making sure my son was honored in the most respectful way. I hope this Funeral home values her as much as my family and I do."
McGee Family
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"Wayne and Staff, thank you for taking care of the arrangements for our mom, Exter McGee and our dad, Philip McGee. You have been great to work with during such a difficult time."
Elledge Family
Elledge Family
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"On behalf of my family, I wanted you to know how much we appreciate your handling of my husband's final arrangements. Wayne Baxter assisted & guided us through the entire process with such care & compassion. Don't know what we would have done without him! Sincerely, Colleen Elledge"
The Peterson Family
The Peterson FamilyYelp! Review - Northwest Highway 5-Stars
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"I can’t say enough about how helpful and professional Dusty Martin, the funeral director at the Aria Cremation location on NW Highway has been. From my initial call, he was kind and informative. My friend died at home while on hospice and she was picked up in about an hour after receiving the call from the hospice nurse. The person who arrived to pick her up was also very professional/respectful and allowed us to take as much time with her as we wished. When I met with Dusty the next day about arrangements, he explained the process and options available without being pushy or trying to “sell” extras. Throughout the process, he kept me informed and, for example, was careful to be certain I understood the cost of the obituary I wanted and offered some options for reducing that cost if I wished. When I stopped by for another reason and started talking about some of the problems I was having with the pictures and media I hoped to use at a memorial lunch I was planning, he not only listened patiently but offered technology advice and let me use his personal media player. I have had experience arranging cremations for four others using two other local companies, and this experience with Dusty at Aria has been by far the best one I have had."
Paula Barnes
Paula BarnesGoogle Review
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"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
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  1. If death has occurred and or is imminent, please call the Aria location nearest you.

    PRESTON ROAD
    214.306.6700

    NORTHWEST HIGHWAY
    214.340.8008

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      214-340-8009
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      972-526-7410
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