Della Jean Dyke (Cox)

Della Jean Dyke was born on March 7, 1933 in Salina, Kansas to John Joseph and Mary Ellen Cox. She was the youngest of six children. She was called home to be with Jesus on May 8, 2025 at 08:05.

Della accepted Jesus as her Savior at Salina Bible Baptist Church when she was nine years old. She was a valiant prayer warrior her entire life and loved God with All of her heart!

She moved with her family to Arcadia, CA where she attended MAD High School (Monrovia, Arcadia, Duarte) and was a member of their Racketeers Club (tennis).

Della married Robert L. Dyke on January 2, 1953 when he was home on leave from the U.S. Navy. She lived with Robert in Riverside, CA for many years, before moving to Oregon and Washington for his work. They later returned to CA and she spent quite a few years in Murrieta, CA. They were married for 51 years.

Della worked for five years at Riverside Christian School as a secretary. She worked ten years for Kaiser Permanente in Riverside, CA as a medical receptionist. She also worked as an administrator for an ophthalmologist office in Oregon. Della had her own jewelry making business when she was in Oregon, putting together beautiful colors and “sparkly” sets of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. She loved the color pink, and anything pink that sparkled was definitely for her! (Including her fingernails). Della was a sparkle in a sometimes dreary life. Della spent many years as a loving caregiver for Robert and his many illnesses.

Della loved to be a hostess. Her table was always set for a King or Queen! She artistically decorated her table and house with beautiful plates and decor. She graciously provided meals for many a visiting preacher or local family after church on Sundays, or any time when she was needed.

Della loved music. She played piano by ear, but could read music. She actually wrote the music down on paper that her dad played for her on his violin, music that was later published. She was taught how to accompany other instruments, and she loved her piano. We made sure to move it with her from CA to Tennessee, and she played it for the residents at Fieldstone when asked to do so. She also played for the monthly “Hymn Sing” at Fieldstone until she broke her shoulder. She even won several Talent contests playing the piano for fun! Della was listening to piano hymns and the song “What a Day That Will Be” was playing when she slipped into Jesus’ arms.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Cox; all of her siblings: John and Richard Cox, and sisters: Virginia Bank, Rosalie Thompson, and Priscilla Hillis, as well as her husband, Robert Dyke. Della is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Fowler and her husband, Rick; and son, Robert W. Dyke and his wife, Susan. She is also survived by seven grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, plus Gracie her stuffed gorilla.

Della fiercely loved her family and friends and diligently prayed for each of them daily. Her prayers were often acknowledged by family as protecting them from harm. How that will be missed!

In lieu of flowers a memorial may be given to Samaritans Purse in the name of Della Jean Dyke.

Please visit Della's tribute wall and share a memory with the family.