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Melinda "Mendy" Kay Smith
Dighton, Kansas
September 24, 1965 - June 26, 2025
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Melinda "Mendy" Kay Smith Obituary
Melinda “Mendy” Kay Smith, 59, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. She was born September 24, 1965, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of Guy Wayne and Margaret Ann (Thomas) Smith.
Melinda was raised in Dighton, Kansas, where she graduated from Dighton High School in 1984. After high school, she attended Hutchison Community College, where she received a scholarship to play basketball for the Blue Dragons. After graduating from HCC, she moved to Hays, Kansas, where she studied at Fort Hays State University.
After leaving Hays, Melinda moved to Garden City, Kansas, where she met her husband, Billie Wayne Budd. The two moved their four children back to Dighton in 2000, where they have lived ever since. She loved every moment she had with her children. She was the most loving and devoted “mama bear,” while being her children’s biggest cheerleader.
She lived with curiosity and joy, always ready for the next road trip, especially if it involved the lake or discovering a hidden gem from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Her love of travel was matched only by the comfort she found at home, where she delighted in feeding her backyard squirrels and birds, and never missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune.
Mendy Kay was energetic, with a presence that lit up every room she walked into. She had a huge heart and an infectious laugh. She was confident, funny, and hardworking. She was never one to shy away from a challenge and was always the first to lift others up. Most of all, she cherished her family, making every moment spent together feel like a gift. Her love, light, and spirit left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know her.
Survivors include her husband, Billie Budd of Dighton, KS. Children – Alex and Aubree Budd of Dighton, KS, Collin and Kayla Smith of Windsor, CO, Shambrey and Bryce Chavis of Emporia, KS, and Kiara Budd of Lincoln, NE. Grandchildren – Bentley, Jaxson, D’Kayliyon, Liam, and Gianna, and Niece - Payton Smith of Garden City, KS.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Margaret Smith, brother Dean Smith, and mother-in-law, Billie Sue Perry.
A Celebration of Life will be held September 27, 2025, at Lake Scott State Park. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Melinda Smith Memorial Fund in care of Boomhower Funeral Home.
Boomhower Funeral Home P.O. Box 891 Dighton, Kansas 67839
Melinda “Mendy” Kay Smith, 59, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas. She was born September 24, 1965, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of Guy Wayne and Margaret Ann (Thomas) Smith.
Melinda was raised in Dighton, Kansas, where she graduated from Dighton High School in 1984. After high school, she attended Hutchison Community College, where she received a scholarship to play basketball for the Blue Dragons. After graduating from HCC, she moved to Hays, Kansas, where she studied at Fort Hays State University.
After leaving Hays, Melinda moved to Garden City, Kansas, where she met her husband, Billie Wayne Budd. The two moved their four children back to Dighton in 2000, where they have lived ever since. She loved every moment she had with her children. She was the most loving and devoted “mama bear,” while being her children’s biggest cheerleader.
She lived with curiosity and joy, always ready for the next road trip, especially if it involved the lake or discovering a hidden gem from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Her love of travel was matched only by the comfort she found at home, where she delighted in feeding her backyard squirrels and birds, and never missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune.
Mendy Kay was energetic, with a presence that lit up every room she walked into. She had a huge heart and an infectious laugh. She was confident, funny, and hardworking. She was never one to shy away from a challenge and was always the first to lift others up. Most of all, she cherished her family, making every moment spent together feel like a gift. Her love, light, and spirit left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know her.
Survivors include her husband, Billie Budd of Dighton, KS. Children – Alex and Aubree Budd of Dighton, KS, Collin and Kayla Smith of Windsor, CO, Shambrey and Bryce Chavis of Emporia, KS, and Kiara Budd of Lincoln, NE. Grandchildren – Bentley, Jaxson, D’Kayliyon, Liam, and Gianna, and Niece - Payton Smith of Garden City, KS.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Margaret Smith, brother Dean Smith, and mother-in-law, Billie Sue Perry.
A Celebration of Life will be held September 27, 2025, at Lake Scott State Park. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Melinda Smith Memorial Fund in care of Boomhower Funeral Home.
Boomhower Funeral Home P.O. Box 891 Dighton, Kansas 67839
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