Melinda Marie Smith Teglia passed away suddenly on April 9, 2021. Melinda was born October 7, 1979 in Lawrence, Kansas. She attended elementary school in Gardner, KS, enjoying soccer, dance, and many other outdoor activities with her family and friends.
She attended Olathe East High School, graduating early in December 1997 to pursue an education in the medical field. She received her BSN- Nursing from Webster University and received a full scholarship to attend the Washburn University School of Law. She received her Juris Doctorate from Washburn University in 2003. Melinda had a distinguished career in Medical Administration, receiving her Professional in Healthcare Risk Management Certification (CPHRM). She held positions in Kansas City and Chicago from Registered Nurse, Vice President of Quality and most recently Associate Chief Nursing Officer- Behavioral Health for Truman Medical Center. She will be dearly missed by her coworkers and the many lives she touched throughout her career.
Melinda was dedicated, focused, and fully committed to everything she did in life. Her greatest accomplishment was being a loving and dedicated mother to her six children.
Melinda is preceded in death by her grandfather’s Jack Coffman, Ernest Smith, and her grandmother Mary Smith. She is survived by her six loving children, Inah, Sofia, Vinnie, Joe, Anthony, and Paul. Parents Barbara (Don) Lebens of Lenexa, KS, Bill Smith of Olathe, KS, her brother Rich (Michelle) Smith of Lawrence, KS and Grandmother Virginia Coffman of Desoto, KS, her nieces Eason and Ellie Smith of Gardner, KS, nephew Brad Roth of Laramie, WY and a large extended family. Her memory will be cherished, and she will be deeply missed by all.
There will be a small visitation from 5-7p.m. on Wednesday, April 14th at the McGilley & Frye Funeral Home 105 East Loula Street Olathe, KS. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, attendance is limited to 45 persons at any one time.
A Prayer Service will take place on Thursday, April 15th beginning at 10:30a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church 13615 West 92nd Street Lenexa, KS. Attendance for this service will be limited to 130 person’s total. A "Celebration of Life Memorial" will be planned at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations for the ongoing expenses for the children can be made to: Teglia Children's Fund - Care of Barbara Lebens.
Condolences may be offered at www.McGilley-Frye.com.
