Mindy Sue Applegate, 59, passed away November 21, 2021, at the Satanta District Hospital with her family by her side. She was born on February 14, 1962, in Hays, Kansas, the daughter of David and Mary Lee (Powell) Harris.
Mindy spent her childhood in Protection, graduating from Protection High School in 1980. She then attended St. Mary of the Plains in Dodge City, where she played basketball. Mindy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English education in 1984. After graduation, she took a job with Arrowhead West in Dodge City. In 1987, Mindy made the move to Montezuma where she taught seventh and eighth grade English and junior high physical education. Since athletics were a part of her life as well, she gladly jumped into coaching junior high girls volleyball, basketball, and track. Mindy also received a Master of Arts degree from Fort Hays State University in 1995.
On July 2, 1988, Mindy was united in marriage to Mark Applegate. They
made their home in Montezuma, raising two sons, Gabe and Eli. South
Gray High School was formed, and Mindy became the high school English
teacher and school improvement coordinator. When the opportunity arose
in 2001, Mindy made the move to Southwest Plains Regional Service Center
in Sublette as an educational consultant. Mindy never stopped learning
nor leading. She was passionate about sharing her knowledge, leadership,
and skills with others. Mindy also served as an outreach educator for
Dodge City Community College for teaching Public Speaking and English
Comp.
Mindy cherished her time with family and friends. Whether
keeping the score book or cheering in the stands, Mindy was considered
the “Basketball Mom” for her sons and many other athletes. For over 30
years she served as Mark’s assistant not only in life but also on the
sidelines. Grandsons, Andrew and Declan also found a special place in
her heart.
She is survived by her husband Mark of Montezuma; two sons, Gabriel Applegate of Lawrence and Eli Applegate and wife Brooke of Dodge City; two grandsons, Andrew and Declan Applegate; siblings, Marcie Charles and husband Marc of Dodge City, and Mitchel Harris and wife Judy of Ingalls, many nieces and nephews, a host of friends and numerous students. Mindy is preceded in death by her parents and a niece Megan Charles Kramer.
Funeral service will be held at South Gray High School Gymnasium, Montezuma, on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 10:30 AM with Mr. Jeff Hiers presiding. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Montezuma. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Friday, November 26, 2021 from noon to 8:00 PM. with the family present from 5-7 PM. Memorials are suggested to The Perfect Fit Foundation for Autism in Dodge City in care of the funeral home.
Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com. Mindy’s family would like to extend their appreciation for the help and support she received during this journey.