Melva "Sue" Knowles-Needham

Melva “Sue” Knowles-Needham, 85, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, at her home in Idabel, Oklahoma. She was born on November 21, 1940, to Martin McKee and Grethel (Taylor) McKee.

To understand strength, you only had to study Granny Sue. She was a fierce and fiesty woman who lived for family and raised her children with a steady hand. Nini was the first up in the morning, usually with a cup of coffee watching the calves in her back yard. 

She was a caregiver by nature, and a listener by choice. Whatever the story she listened without judgement. She knew sadness well enough to carry everyone else's on her own shoulders, often getting us through days we didn't think we could survive. A mean cook with a servants heart. She was never afraid. Even when cancer ruined many moments. She stayed strong and walked to her own beat. A strong woman she was. Her happiness was found through caring for others. She asked that we rejoice, rather than mourn her passing. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Charles Knowles; her second husband, Ray Needham; her sons, Randy Knowles and Tommy Knowles; her great-great-grandchild, Martin Fox; and her brothers, Wayne McKee, Roger McKee, Kenny McKee, and Sam McKee.

She is survived by her son, Scott Knowles and wife Annette of Pocola, Oklahoma; her daughter, Suzanne Byington and husband Presley of Idabel, Oklahoma; her sister, Juannie Shirey of the Holly Creek community; her grandchildren, Nikki Thomas, Kim VanAken, Keri Estep, Brandon Knowles, Misti Fox, Taylor Knowles, Blayne Byington, Baylee Byington, and Rachel Knowles; along with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, friends, and loved ones who will cherish her memory forever.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on January 28, 2026, at Clardy Funeral Service Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 29, 2026, at Clardy Funeral Service Chapel, with Bro. David Flanary officiating.

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