Melinda Maureen Randall

Melinda Maureen Randall, age 72, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026. Her life was a beautiful testament to curiosity, creativity, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved most.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, to Ernest Andy and Francis Mathis, Melinda grew into a woman whose gentle strength and boundless imagination shaped every chapter of her life. She married her devoted husband, John Randall, on July 2, 1972, in San Diego, California. Together, they welcomed two children, Sean and Jennifer. In 1978, they moved their young family to Olathe, Kansas—a place that would become the heart of their home. Years later, their family grew again with the joyful arrivals of Jacob and Jordan, completing the family that Melinda so thoughtfully and lovingly nurtured.

For many years, Melinda devoted her days to caring for children as a daycare provider, a role that became one of the great callings of her life. She welcomed countless little ones into her home, offering them not only safety and structure but also warmth, laughter, creativity, and the kind of patient love that helped shape their earliest memories. The children she cared for—and their families—remember her as a steady, gentle presence who made every child feel cherished. Her influence lives on in the many lives she touched during those years.

Melinda had an adventurous spirit and a deep love for travel, always eager to explore new places and take in the wonder of the world around her. At home, she was rarely without a book in hand, finding comfort and joy in stories, learning, and quiet reflection. She cherished the companionship of her beloved dog, Minnie, whose presence brought daily delight.

Photography was one of Melinda’s greatest passions—a craft through which she captured milestones, everyday moments, and the many bright smiles of her children and grandchildren. Through her lens, she preserved not just images, but memories her family will hold close for a lifetime.

Melinda is survived by her devoted husband, John Randall; her brothers Ralph (Connie) Mathis and Randy (Helene) Hill; and her four children: Sean Randall, Jennifer (Maurice) Smith, Jacob (Jen Stock) Randall, and Jordan (Ever) Garoz. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Morgan (James) Fleming, Maurice Smith, Yosef Smith, Cush Smith, Boston Randall, Brooks Randall, Brody Randall, Sydney Randall, Miqueas Garoz, and Ezequiel Garoz; and her great‑granddaughter, Scottie Fleming.

Melinda’s life was defined by love—love for her family, for discovery, and for the small, beautiful details that make a life meaningful. She will be remembered for her warmth, her creativity, and the way she made every person she met feel deeply valued.

Her presence will be profoundly missed, but the memories she created will continue to shine beautifully in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses.