Imelda "Melly" Anne Boyden

Imelda “Melly” Boyden, 71, of Topeka, KS died May 4, 2021 at Stormont-Vail Hospital.

She was born July 12, 1949 in La Crosse, KS the daughter of Clarence and Helen (Legleiter) Schmidtberger.

Melly worked outside the home for a short period of time, but after starting a family she found that being a homemaker was what she did best.  Anybody that knew her would understand her quirky sense of humor and her need to make sure to feed everyone that graced her presence.  Melly had a knack for always sending a birthday card and making every one of her children and grandchildren feel as if they were her most “special” one.  She attended her grandchildren’s school programs and sporting events, sometimes she might not have known all the rules or strategies of the game, but rooted for her grandchild’s team to win.  Her children will always be grateful for Melly making all the “Gordon Street” holidays so special.  Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her children and grandchildren and hosting family gatherings.

Melly married David Boyden, Sr., on November 20, 1965 at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  He survives.  Other survivors include eight children, David (Michelle) Boyden, Jr, Joe (Cathy) Boyden, Richard (Misti) Boyden, Christina (Sam) Leone, Tim (Christi) Boyden, Mary (Matt) Lawhon, Tony (Stephanie) Boyden, Elizabeth (Kevin) Wilkinson.  A brother, Clint (Jane) Schmidtberger, a sister, Benita (Frank) Leikam, thirty-four grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren along with several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces and nephews also survive.   She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Helen Schmidtberger, an infant daughter, Therese Marie Boyden, a daughter-in-law, Lori Boyden and a grandson, Alex Massengill.

Melly will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2021 at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 5:00 p.m.  Following the rosary, her family will receive friends until 7:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 8, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Melly’s memory to St. Joseph/Sacred Heart Parish sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.