Lyndell May Dykes

Obituary



Lyndell May Dykes, age 79 of WaKeeney, Kansas passed away Sunday, September 25, 2022 in WaKeeney. She was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming on June 15, 1943 to Gladys and Roy Dykes. Lyndell lived in Cheyenne through high school. She was in the first graduating class of Cheyenne East High School in 1961, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. Lyndell went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Hastings College in 1965. Upon graduation from Hastings College, she earned a prestigious grant to the Parson's School of Design in New York City where she studied art and worked for about two years. She decided to pursue a Master's degree at Fort Hays State and made Kansas her permanent home. Lyndell spoke four languages - English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

She taught high school art in Hill City for several years. She also owned The Studio in WaKeeney for 20+ years where she was an expert framer providing custom frames for many customers. Lyndell had the privilege of framing all of Dr. John Cody's original prints, which eventually hung on display at the Smithsonian and later at Johns Hopkins.

In May of 1979 Lyndell accepted a position with High Plains Mental Health Center to apply her teaching and art experience in working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. She worked in the partial hospital program teaching life skills and assisting clients in gaining the skills to live more independently. She became a licensed substance counselor and provided payee supports for those needing assistance. Both clients and staff appreciated her compassion and her genuine concern for each individual. Because of her compassion, kindness and ability to hold the line, some clients referred to her as "Mother Teresa with an Attitude". She served the people of Northwest Kansas for 23 years.

She loved to travel, listen to music, play the violin, paint, play cards, golf with friends, and work in her greenhouse and garden. Throughout her lifetime, she loved her kitties as close friends. Lyndell had an abundance of friends; she never met a stranger. She was a bit of a foodie and loved peanut butter, chocolate, and all things lemon. Lyndell had a great dislike of the color green, which her brother teased her about profusely, and she and her nieces laughed about often.

Lyndell is survived by her brother, Howard G. Dykes (Jackie) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; nieces, Stacy Maestas (Christopher) and Kimberly Southworth (Jerome) who also live in Cheyenne; great nephews, Garrett Maestas (Haley) and Reagan Kosowicz; great nieces, Lakiea Jenkins (Jordan), Brenna Kosowicz, and Hannah Maestas; four great great nephews and one great great niece; her trusty companion, Dusty the Black Cat; and her adoptive families, too many to name, in WaKeeney.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Roy Dykes; numerous aunts and uncles, and life-long friends over the years.

Her family and close friends will host a reception with light refreshments to celebrate Lyndells life on Saturday, October 8, from 11:00 to 1:00 at the WaKeeney Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall 332 N 6th Street, WaKeeney, KS. Use the East entrance.

Memorial contributions are suggested to NWKareS Hospice Services of Northwest Kansas 424 8th Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661 or

Amazing Grace Home Care 2004 Hall, Hays, KS 67601.

Memories may be shared by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Services in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.

















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