Patty Melander

Patricia "Patty" Sue Melander, 74, of Assaria, Kansas, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025. She was born on May 30, 1951, in Salina, Kansas, to Emmet A. and Opal B. (Major) Melander.
Patty graduated from Southeast of Saline High School in 1969 and attended Fort Hays State University. She spent many years working for Shelter Insurance in Kansas City before returning to the area upon retirement, where she later worked at The Land Institute in Salina.
Patty's creative spirit shone through in everything she did. She loved fishing, painting, crafts, and sewing, and she had a special gift for genealogy. She dedicated countless hours researching and preserving her family's history, ensuring that no story or connection was ever forgotten. Patty was also known for her thoughtful tradition of sending birthday cards to family members-each one a small, joyful reminder of her love and care.
She is survived by her brother Olaf Melander (Sara Jo) of Leawood, Kansas; sister-in-law Kathy Melander of Assaria; nephews Brent Melander (Melanie) of Assaria and Bjorn Melander (Jessica) of Phoenix, Arizona; and nieces Mandy Stephenson (Casey) of Assaria and Bri Tristan (Daniel) of Austin, Texas, and many grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Gary Melander.
Patty will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, and the loving way she kept her family's stories-and hearts-connected.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 7, at the Assaria Lutheran Church, 124 W. 1st St., Assaria, Kansas.
A light luncheon prepared by church members will follow the service. Memorial contributions may be made to The Land Institute, Salina or the Assaria Lutheran church.