Melinda Wareham, 74, of Whiting, KS, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2023, as the result of a vehicle accident. She was born August 6, 1948 in Highland, KS, the daughter of Fred E. and Mary (Bechtold) Cole.

Melinda graduated from Highland High School in 1966 and had attended Kansas State University. She was a rural mail carrier for over 25 years and Avon sales representative for over 50 years. Melinda was also a farm and ranch wife.

She was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Troy and St. Dominic Catholic Church in Holton. Melinda served 12 years as a Jackson Heights School Board Member. She was also a Jackson County Friends of Hospice Volunteer and an official member of the Whiting Ladies Social Club.

Melinda married Robert “Bob” Wareham on August 20, 1966 in Troy, KS; they celebrated over 56 years of marriage.

Survivors include her husband, Bob of the home; 4 children, Rob Wareham (Heldi) of Whiting, KS, Doug Wareham (Janelle) of Topeka, KS, Kayla Collins (Mike) of Highland, KS and Julie Porter (Jeremy) of Whiting, KS; 3 sisters, Virginia Whetstine of Highland, KS, Carol Kilmer (Craig) of Kirksville, MO and Mary Schneider (Ron) of Highland, KS; sisters-in-law, Sharon Cole of Denison, KS and Kathy Cole of Highland, KS; 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Mary Cole; 2 brothers, Emmett Cole and Rick Cole and brother-in-law, John Whetstine.

Melinda was a loving and giving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially taking care of and attending her grandchildren- activities.

Rosary will be recited at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 30, 2023 with visitation from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. both at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 1, 2023 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Holton. Burial will follow at Springhill Cemetery just north of Whiting. Memorials may be given to the St. Dominic Catholic Church or Jackson County Crisis Pregnancy Center c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.