Melinda A. Dierks, 75, of Grenola, Kansas, passed away Sunday evening, 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. She was raised and received her education in Hutchinson, graduating from Hutchinson High School in 1962. She then attended Emporia State University where she received her bachelor's degree in teaching.

She was united in marriage to LaRue T. Dierks on November 27, 1970 in Haven, Kansas. The couple made their first home in Cedar Vale where Melinda began teaching science at the high school. They later moved to Dexter before settling in Grenola in 1977. Melinda taught science at Burden High School for many years before receiving her master's in education from Wichita State University in the early 1980's. She then went to work for the Special Service Coop 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. Later, Melinda taught at the Wichita Area Technical College until retiring again in 2017. LaRue preceded her in death on May 14, 1990.

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

Her family includes her son Jason Dierks and wife, Mickey of Douglass; and her grandsons, which were her pride and joy, Luke and Sage Dierks of Douglass.

In addition to her parents and husband, Melinda was preceded in death by a 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. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Grenola.

A memorial has been established in Melinda's name for the American Diabetes Association. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.