Dr. Linda Leigh (Rezac)
Dayton, of Cypress, TX, died August 31, 2017. She was 77 years old.
Linda is survived by her husband,
John Dayton of Cypress, TX; her children, Ellen and Michael Thompson of
Cypress, TX, and James and Diana Dayton of Lenexa, KS; five grandchildren; and
her sister and brother in-law, Virginia and David Foster of Rossville, KS.
Linda was born June 5, 1940,
in Lawrence, KS, to James and Evelyn Rezac. She graduated from Rossville High
School in 1958 and from Emporia State University in 1961. Linda taught at
Highland Park High School in Topeka, KS, from 1961 to 1963 and Wenatchee (WA)
High School in 1964. Linda earned an MS in counseling from Emporia State
University in 1965.
Linda married John W. Dayton in
1965. Linda was a counselor at Highland Park High School from 1965-1969. In
1970, Linda and John moved to Overland Park, KS. Linda worked at Johnson County
Community College for 25 years, including 17 years as JCCC’s dean of student
services. Linda earned an Ed.D in higher education administration from the
University of Kansas in 1983. Linda
finished her career at Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) from
1995-2006, serving as a counselor, associate vice president, vice president of
finance and operations, and executive vice president.
Linda was a dedicated wife,
mother, sister, and friend. She will be remembered for her hard work,
compassion, and drive.
Visitation will be at 10 am,
September 23, at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, 9300 Nall Avenue, Overland
Park, KS 66207, with a memorial service following at 11 am. A graveside service
is scheduled at 3 pm at Rossville Cemetery, Rossville, KS 66533. All are
welcome to attend and celebrate Linda’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial
contributions in Linda’s name to the JCCC Foundation, 12345 College Blvd.,
Overland Park, KS 66210, or online at www.jccc.edu/FoundationOnline, or
to the NWACC Foundation, One College Drive, Bentonville, AR 72712, or online at
www.nwaccfoundation.org.
