Malinda Lyons

With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Malinda Jeannine Lyons (Rosdail), on February 21, 2026, at the age of 82. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. Known for her kind, quirky, and outgoing spirit, she dedicated her life to family, church, piano, and travel.

Born July 17, 1943, Malinda was the second of two daughters of Jesse Hart Rosdail (1914 - 1977) and Dorothy Rosdail-Cline (1915 - 2014) of Elmhurst, Illinois. Her mother was a nurse and her father was an elementary teacher, famously known as a Guiness Book of World Records holder for the Most Traveled Man from 1968 to 1982.

Her young life was filled with academics, piano, horseback riding, and family travels near and far. Malinda earned her bachelor degree in music from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, studied abroad in France, and pursued graduate school in Fort Collins, CO, at Colorado State University. It was during this time that she worked as a medical technician, was mesmerized by the wonders of Jesus Christ under the microscope, and met the love of her life, Joseph D. Lyons, a microbiologist. They returned to Illinois to celebrate marriage with family. Then, the day after their honeymoon, Joe left for Vietnam, returning back 10 months later to their healthy baby boy, Christopher John. They soon moved back to Colorado, where Joe began his career as a microbiologist for the state. A couple of years later, they welcomed their daughter, Echo Yvonne. Malinda immersed herself in motherhood and making a home. Later, they moved further west to Grand Junction, Colorado, establishing this as home. Here she dedicated her life to her family, church, and students.

Malinda was a nationally certified piano teacher for 50 years. She loved playing for her congregation, her family, and students. She also took pleasure in piano judging, doing so both locally and in other cities. Malinda passionately taught piano out of her home up until the very last days of her life.

Malinda was predeceased by her father, Jesse Hart Rosdail; and her mother, Dorothy. She leaves behind her husband, Joseph D. Lyons; children, Christopher (Natalie) Lyons; Echo Lyons; grandchildren, Jesse Lyons; Logan Lyons; and Savannah Lyons; and sister, Maren Wernick.

A celebration of life will be held at Appleton Christian Church in Grand Junction, CO, on Saturday, March 28th, at 10:00 a.m.