Melinda G. "Mindy" Dyke

Melinda G. Dyke, affectionately known as Mindy, passed away on December 3, 2025, in North Kansas City, Missouri. Born on February 25, 1955, she lived a life full of adventure and learning, leaving us at the age of 70.

Mindy was an esteemed educator, dedicating over 35 years to teaching Spanish, French, and English to countless students. Her career took her to various communities, including Orrick, Missouri; Russell, Kansas; McLouth, Kansas; and Gallatin, Missouri. She inspired many with her energetic and charismatic teaching style.

Mindy loved spending time in the great outdoors, including rock and morel hunting, hiking, and time by the water. She was almost always accompanied by her loyal mutt Baxter. She was an adventurous traveler who explored extensively in the states of Kansas and Missouri, but also throughout the US and abroad, seeking out the unique and obscure. Mindy was a master of trivia, an avid reader, patron of museums and the arts, seeker of antiques and oddities, and an enthusiastic follower of politics. Her sarcastic and witty humor brought entertainment to many. She was a selfless person willing to lend a hand to friends and strangers alike, not afraid to cover a stranger's groceries or even pick up hitchhikers. Her intellectual curiosity and generosity were evident to all who knew her.

Mindy's dedication to the arts was further exemplified by her membership and frequent visits to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and her service on the McLouth Library Board. She held a bachelor's degree from Northwest Missouri State University, which served as a foundation for her lifelong commitment to education and the community.

She is preceded in death by her beloved father, Charles Thomas Dyke, her mother Barbara Dyke, and her sister Susie Clemmons. She leaves behind a loving family: her son Tom Dyke, her daughter Dessa Crum, her daughter-in-law Brenda Dyke, and her cherished granddaughter Peyton Dyke. She is also survived by her brother Mike Dyke, sisters Sandy (Ed) Vasquez, Julie (Steve) Farnan, Laura Dyke, and Carrie (Jodie) Davidson, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, friends, and her beloved dog Baxter.

In accordance with Mindy's wishes, a family-friendly party will be held in lieu of a traditional funeral. Friends and family are invited to join in a joyful gathering at Johnny's North (Original) in Lawrence, Kansas, on Saturday, December 13th, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Alpha Gal Alliance Action Foundation https://alphagalaction.org/donate/ or the McLouth Public Library at 213 South Union, McLouth. Donations will also be accepted at the party.

Mindy's passionate energy will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the memories she created.