Dodge City - Theo Jean Melia, 92, passed away October 7, 2021 at her home in Dodge City.  She was born on October 3, 1929 at Stormont Vale Hospital in Topeka to Glenn Thomas and Mary Ruth (McCrackin) Faulkner.

Theo graduated from Dodge City High School. She married Albert Melia.  After raising six children, she went back to DCCC and earned her LPN degree.  She worked at Humana and Western Plains Hospital for 35 years.  After Albert's death, Theo and Hank Stapleton became an item for 27 years.

She enjoyed traveling and doing needlework.  Theo made many quilts for her grandchildren.  She had over 10,000 vounteer hours as a Pink Lady and with the Salvation Army Auxiliary as well as being a magnamous blood giver.  Theo was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where she was actively involved for many years.

She is survived by her children, Penny Lopp of Dodge City, Danny Melia of Dodge City, Mary Mueller and husband Michael of Bedford, Texas, and Bob Melia of Dodge City; daughter-in-law, Julie Ellis and husband Jack; 10 grandchildren, Jeffrey Lopp (Jauna) of Dodge City, Erin Huseman (Tyler) of Idaho Springs, Colorado, Jason Melia (Alison) of Dodge City, Christopher Mueller (Chris) of Hurst, Texas, Kaci Blagg (TA) of Dallas, Texas, Heather Longtin (Ray) of Germany, Clint Melia (Traci) of Salida, Colorado, Ben Melia of Salida, Colorado, Abby Melia of Colorado, Springs, Colorado, and Nathan Melia (Liz) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; 17 great grandchildren, Riley, Raegan, Raemie, Justin, Bryan, Brent, Landyn, Ella Dawn, Griffin, Amelia, Zachry, Alyx, Blake, Caroline, Natalie, and Rowen; one great-great grandson, Kashton; and the Stapleton Families, in particular, Liz and Stan Winn, who were daily care givers, along with Julie, for mom and her significant other, Hank.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; her parents; sisters, Irma and Ruth; sons, Bill and Rick Melia.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Monday, October 11, 2021 at 10:00 AM with Mr. Jeff Hiers presiding.  Burial will follow at Ford Cemetery.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Sunday, October 10, 2021 from noon to 6:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Prairie or Meals on Wheels in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.