Melinda Merle Fendley Strange was lovingly known by many names — Mindy, Mel, and Mo. Melinda was born on June 29, 1955, in Houston, Texas and passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025, peacefully in her home in Huntsville, Texas, surrounded by those she loved so dearly. Melinda began her career with the Huntsville Police Department in 1986 as a dispatcher. Through her hard work and dedication, she later transitioned to her role as the Evidence Technician where she served until retirement in 2011. Following her retirement, Melinda continued her service as an Evidence Technician with SHSU Regional Crime Lab in The Woodlands, Texas from 2011-2012. After stepping away from law enforcement, she filled her time working at Credit Loans, crafting, and taking many trips to Brookshire Brothers.

Melinda and her husband, Kenny, enjoyed bowling, shared a passion for traveling around the states to attend NASCAR races, enjoying meals at their favorite local Mexican restaurants, and opening their home to host memorable holiday gatherings for family and friends. Kenny will forever cherish the many beautiful memories they created together, which brought so much joy to their lives and to all who knows and loves them.

Melinda is preceded in death by her parents Homer Clarence and Florence Chilton Fendley, brother Walter Fendley, and granddaughter Chelsea Sanders, and other family members who loved and welcomed her with open arms.

Melinda, a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and Nana is survived by her devoted husband, Perry Kenneth Stange (Kenny) and sister Florence Spence. She is also survived by her beloved children, Deborah Santikos (Mike), Mindy Loecken, Tanya Lawler (Stacy), BJ Strange (Trina), Jennifer LeBlanc (Raul), Jason Strange (Crystal), Stephanie Risner (Kable), Chad Strange (Brooke), Kenda Johnson (Craig), cherished grandchildren, Cody Sanders, Michael Colt Leblanc, Morgan Gary, Shelby Loecken, Trevor Monjaras, Kaz Kevin Risner, Kieley Weaver, Tanda Monjaras, Chance Strange, Kenley Strange, Cody Strange, Chazity Risner, Kazity Risner, Kylee Davies, Will Lawler, Laney Strange, Tyler Lamb, Jake Lawler, Robert Johnson, Bailey Strange, Ashlynn Lawler, Paisley Greene, Brenley Strange, Briley Strange, and 13 great grandchildren, with 2 more on the way.