DIERKS, Melinda A. (Ward) - b. August 20, 1944 - d. February 23, 2020

[patyrn]

Melinda A. Dierks, 75, of Grenola, Kansas, passed away February 23, 2020 at Presbyterian Manor in Arkansas City, Kansas.  Born August 20, 1944 in Hutchinson, Kansas, she was the daughter of Joseph Burton and Edith May (Griffin) Ward.

Melinda was raised and received her education in Hutchinson, Kansas, graduating frrom Hutchinson High School in 1962.  She then attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, Kansas where she received her Bachelor's degree in Education.

Melinda was united in marriage to LaRue T. Dierks on November 27, 1970 in Haven, Kansas.  The couple made their first home in Cedar Vale, Kansas where Melinda began teaching science at the high school.  They later moved to Dexter, Kansas before settling in Grenola, Kansas in 1977.  She taught science at Burden High School in Burden, Kansas for many years before receiving her Master's Degree in Education from Wichita State University in the early 1980s.  Shen then went to work for the Special Service Co-op through the Winfield School District where she taught gifted students and later taught the visually impaired.  After retiring from the Winfield School District, she returned to work for Cowley County Community College in the science department teaching at the satellite location in Derby, Kansas.  Later, Melinda taught at the Wichita Area Technical College until retiring again in 2017.

Melinda was a member of the Grenola Christian Church.  She enjoyed wood carving, visiting with folks, and educating people.

Her family includes her son, Jason Dierks and wife, Mickey of Douglass, Kansas and her grandsons, which were her pride and joy, Luke and Sage Dierks of Douglass, Kansas.  She was preceded in death by her husband, LaRue on May 14, 1990; her parents; and her brother, Joseph George "Joe" Ward. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield, Kansas.  Interment will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery in Grenola, Kansas.  A memorial has been established in Melinda's name for the American Diabetes Association.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.  Services have been entrusted to Miles Funeral Service, 4001 E. 9th Avenue, Winfield, Kansas 67156.

(taken from the Miles Funeral Service website)