Melvene Oliver 1937-2021

Melvene Lois (Matchie) Oliver, “Chuk-sah,” 84, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021 in Topeka.

She was born March 2, 1937, in Horton, the daughter of Matthew Matchie and Ida Bernice DuPuis. 

She was a homemaker and licensed cosmetologist.

Melvene was a member of the Drum Religion and Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. 

She married Howard Kinton Oliver on March 7, 1959; they celebrated more than 62 years of marriage. 

Survivors include her loving and loyal husband, Howard Oliver, of the home; seven daughters, Leah Zakar (John) of Valdosta, Ga., Audrey Oliver of Topeka, Deb McLinn (Phil) of Topeka, Tina White of Topeka, Nancy Henry (Roger) of Mayetta, Misti Burns (Chris) of Wylie, Texas, and Linda LaBranch of Parkville, Mo.; son, Patrick Oliver (Alison) of Topeka; three sisters, Mary Belle Patterson, Linda Allen and Jane Slater all of Horton; brother, Willie Odgen of Lawrence; 17 grandchildren, Michelle Brown, Candace Zakar, John Zakar III and Heather Zakar, all of Georgia, Shauna, Amber and Stephanie LaBranch, all of Mustang, Okla., Bryan LaBranch of Camp Lejeune, New River, N.C., Nick Davenport of Branson, Mo., Kinton Smith of Topeka, Jamie Baumgartner of Auburn, Holly Johnson of Topeka, Kayla Johnson of Topeka, Michelle Manrose of Topeka and Brianna and Taylor Stegman of Mayetta; 24 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Melvene was preceded in death by her mother, Ida Bernice (DuPuis) Ogden; father, Matthew D. Matchie; son, Shaun Alvin LaBranch; and grandson, Daniel LaBranch. 

Drum services will be held Wednesday evening, Oct. 6 at the Danceground Building. Burial will be held Thursday, Oct. 7 at the Danceground Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.

To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)