WOODLAND PARK, Colo. — Melinda Thomas, 59, former Hays resident, died May 19, at Pikes Peak Hospice of Colorado Springs, Colo. Born Oct. 27, 1951, in Hays, she was the daughter of Severin S. and Marie (Riedel) Leiker. In 1969, she graduated from Marian High School in Hays. On June 4, 1976, she married Dale L. Thomas in Kansas. She was a homemaker. She made her home in Woodland Park, Colo. and spent a number of months of the year in Alamo, Texas. While in Texas, she did volunteer work and sewing for various missions. She enjoyed sewing and quilting and helping people.

Survivors include her husband, Dale L. Thomas, of the home; one son, Paul Wasinger of Hays; one daughter, Michelle Schwenk and husband, Ben of Colorado Springs, Colo.; two stepsons, Brett Thomas and wife, Brenda of Houston, Texas and Jeff Thomas and wife, Stacia of Kenesaw, Neb.; two brothers, Irvin Leiker and wife, Terry, and Ernest Leiker and wife, Sandy, both of Hays; two sisters, Marietta Schupman and husband, Arlyn of Hays, and Edna Rupp and husband, Harland of Hoisington; and seven grandchildren, Zachary Thomas, Haley Thomas, MaKenzie Thomas, Adam Thomas, Ryan Thomas, Anna Thomas, Daniel Schwenk. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, at Cline’s Mortuary of Hays 1919 East 22nd. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Hays. Friends may visit from 6 to 8 p.m. today and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, at the funeral home. Memorial are suggested to Pikes Peak Hospice, 825 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 600, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903-3624. Condolences can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net