Jill N. Dyche, age 81, Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
She was born December 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.
As a teacher, Jill was able to reach students at their individual level and inspire them to continue to learn. She enhanced her own learning by traveling abroad multiple times so she could continue to learn about different cultures and bring those lessons back to her students as well. Other teachers enjoyed being in her classroom as they co-taught in a classroom filled with all levels of abilities. She was seen as a leader in education in many ways.
Jill was the ultimate hostess in her home as she was always entertaining. Her friends always enjoyed gathering in small or large parties to share their mutual interests. Jill’s laugh was unique and one that we will all remember well as we recall the fun times spent with her.
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.
She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 28, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 27, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
