Dessie Mirt

Dessie Mirt passed peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, after a long life of 94 years and 11 months. This is a tribute to our Mother! Love you, Mom – Mike, Cathey, Randy
Dessie was born on a cold, snowy evening in November at her parent's farm home in Naylor, Missouri, one in the set of triples – Dessie, Essie & Bessie. Her parents were Erma Mae and Charles Mason Dunlap. Mother has relayed the humorous story of the triplet's birth to us (her children): "As the third tiny baby girl was born – the doctor proclaimed to her unsuspecting father, Charlie Dunlap ' as her dad fainted to the floor!" Dessie was the 12th child of 13 children – including 12 girls and one boy.
Growing up, Mom spent many summers working side-by-side with her father (whom she loved dearly) on his 100 acre farm. This was the start of her love for gardening, nature, animals and "hard work."
Mother attended high school at Poplar Bluff, MO, and was a Star Basketball player, giving her a competitive, "can do" nature. Mother always taught her children to "Never say Never!" Mother loved sports – water skiing, golfing, bowling. She did "attempt" snow skiing once with Randy – a "funny" event!!
Dessie married Charles Edward Hyde on October 22, 1949. They had 3 children:
Michael Edward, Cathey Dianne, and Randal Charles.
Tragedy struck the family in May, 1967, when Dad died of a sudden Heart attack, at the age of 36. Mother was left with three teenagers to raise, and she was committed to successfully do so as both mother and father.
Even with this sad event, Mother's strong will, dedication, and love of her children prevailed. She happily raised all three children; provided a college education to each; and lived to hold and cherish seven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Mother's true love and purpose in life was all her precious babies. They were what gave her happiness and strength!
Mother enjoyed hobbies – and exceled in each one: textile painting, flower arranging, macrame, ceramics, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and drawing rabbits for her grandchildren! Mother created beautiful porcelain dolls. She spent months on each of the dolls she made, more than 20 dolls through the years. She gave one to each of her children and grandchildren. Mother loved flowers and planted beautiful gardens throughout her yard!
Mother truly enjoyed her career in the medical field, and was proud of her accomplishments – as were we! She became a Certified Medical Assistant; she respected the physicians she supported; and she excelled in her career! Her patients loved her, and her co-workers respected her! She was named "employee of the year" in her physicians' offices many times.
Mother was a giving person in the communities where she lived. She gave of her time (while raising 3 children) to the United Methodist Church in Buffalo, MO, as a Sunday School Teacher. She participated in the March of Dimes' drives. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother; a Camp Fire Girls' leader; a Hospice volunteer; and supported many other community organizations.
Mother was dedicated to her membership in the Fraternal Order of Eastern Star, and served as Worthy Matron in the Buffalo, Missouri chapter. In addition, she served as Mother Advisor of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls chapter, also in Buffalo, MO.
We children, were fortunate to have two loving step-fathers, who supported Mother in raising her 3 teenagers! They were Todd R. White and Richard H. Mirt.
Unfortunately, they both experienced early deaths with cancer. Twice more Mother suffered the loss and sadness of widowhood, but her strong, determined approach to life prevailed. She continued to live for and care for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Throughout Mother's life she has loved, supported, and given of herself to many people when they were in difficult times. Mother was a loving "Angel on Earth."
Thank you, Mom – we miss you so! Love, Mike, Cathey, Randy
Surviving Dessie are her three children, Cathey Petkash, Michael Hyde (w. Vivian Hyde), Randal Hyde (w. Deborah Hyde); 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
We will honor Mother with a "Celebration of Life" in the near future, with family and friends.