Melba Ann Rhinehart

Melba Ann Rhinehart passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on August 20, 2023. To describe Melba, words like grace, eloquence, and magnificence fall short of capturing her essence. She shone as a brilliant and loving individual, possessing an unmatched strength of character. Throughout her lifetime, Melba steadfastly stood by her friends and family, serving as a wellspring of inspiration through the deliberate cultivation of her talents. Notably, she achieved the distinction of being the first woman to hold the position of Senior Warden at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Downtown Oklahoma City.

A harmonious blend of qualities, Melba was the ideal complement to the love of her life, Dr. Donald F. Rhinehart. Undoubtedly, he was the first to welcome her into Heaven's embrace upon her arrival. 

Preceding her in passing were her parents, Ellis and Zelma Thigpen; her aunt and namesake, Melba Seale; her beloved husband, Dr. Donald Rhinehart; her son-in-law, Grant Vincent; and her cherished granddaughter, Mary Kathleen Vincent. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Stephanie Vincent; her son, Brett Rhinehart, and his wife Lisa; her grandchildren, Evan Vincent and his wife Beth, Kelli Vincent, Marni Vincent, Jacob Rhinehart, Jessi Rhinehart, and Jonathan Rhinehart; as well as her great-grandchildren, Grant and Clark Vincent.

Melba Rhinehart embodied the kind of woman about whom hymns are written. Her family and friends remain eternally grateful for the immeasurable blessings she brought into their lives.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral on September 2 at 10 am.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Paul's Cathedral, 127 NW 7th St. 73102 or to The Oklahoma Blood Institute 901 N. Lincoln Blvd. 73104.