Melinda Gaster

Melinda (Mindi) E. Gaster, 74, of Centerville, Ohio, and beloved mother to Jenni (Tim) Sopko, Mandi (Tommy) Morris, and John (Emily) Gaster, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in Dayton, Ohio.

Mindi was born on February 13, 1951, to the late Martin "Ike" and Audrey Crabtree, and lived a life defined by love, service, and always showing up. She would one day return to Miami Valley Hospital, where she was born, as a NICU nurse, ultimately retiring after 42 years of service. She proudly served in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a Registered Nurse, beginning her service in Savannah, Georgia (where she met her future husband), and later served at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. She was honorably discharged in 1974 and awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Over the years, she also worked at Garrett Memorial Hospital, West Virginia University Hospital, and again at Miami Valley Hospital.

Outside of her career, Mindi poured her heart into her family. She was a devoted mom, "nana", and cheerleader-in-chief, a role she took very seriously. If her kids or grandkids had an event, she was there. Band competitions, hockey games, swim meets, or soccer games, distance never mattered when it came to supporting the people she loved.

That same devotion extended beyond her own family. Mindi was a legendary team mom, known for her creativity and generosity. She made t-shirts, good-luck treats, and enough handmade encouragement to fuel entire teams. Her volunteer spirit was unmatched. She was named Volunteer of the Year at Crestwood Elementary in Oldham County, and during her son John's hockey years, she fundraised so enthusiastically that she not only covered his fees, but outfitted the entire team with personalized hockey bags, warm-ups, and garment bags. When John graduated, the team retired his jersey in her honor and presented it to her.

Mindi loved being around the water, a love passed down from her dad and shared with her children and grandchildren. Whether boating, skiing, or camping along the Ohio River, she felt peaceful near the water. She also loved to travel. Memorable trips included Hawaii, Alaska, Caribbean cruises and a dream Disney cruise for her 60th birthday.

She was an avid football fan with a special place in her heart for the Ohio State Buckeyes. She also enjoyed HGTV, the Hallmark Channel, and a good love story.

And, if you ever received a card from Mindi, you knew you were loved. Cards, gifts, Cheryl's cookies, DLM brownies, chocolate-covered strawberries, her love language was thoughtful generosity, and she never missed an opportunity to let someone know she was thinking of them.

Mindi was preceded in death by her husband, Richard "Laddie" Gaster; her parents; and her sister, Beth Ann Gaster. She is survived by her three children; her five grandchildren: Matthew Morris, Mara Morris, Greta Gaster, Jack Sopko, and Dizzy Gaster; and many nieces and nephews who were lucky to be loved by her.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at David's United Church of Christ, 170 West David Road, Dayton, Ohio. All are invited to a lunch reception immediately following the service to visit with the family.

Flowers are welcome (Oakwood Florist, Oberer's Flowers), or donations may be made in Mindi's memory to Hospice of Dayton.