Dyche, Jill N. 1944-2026 Kansas City, Mo.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jill N. Dyche, age 81, Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. She was born Dec. 17, 1944, to Louis M. and Minnie (Zungs) Richard in Mexico, Missouri.

She was raised in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, where she attended school. After graduating as Valedictorian at Excelsior Springs High School in 1963, she attended Northwest Missouri State College (now Northwest Missouri State University) in Maryville, Missouri, graduating in 1967. She continued her education and later obtained a Master’s Degree in Library Science.

Jill had a distinguished career as an educator, teaching first in Independence, Missouri, and then gaining tenure in the Park Hill, Missouri, school system. She was a member of Sigma Delta Xi sorority, and also served as a past president of the NEA in Park Hill.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Janice Sue Struby; and niece, Lee Renee Turner.

Jill is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Judith and Kenneth Kraus; and by Hannah Ferdinand (Jackson), of St. Vincent. Hannah came to the United States as an exchange student and was parented by Jill during her time here. Jill is survived as well by three nieces, Gabrielle Deck, Elisabeth Sherwood, and Cara Slaven; along with many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. The family will gather with friends 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.

Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.