Melinda Kay Steck, 80, of Columbia, SC, died on Monday, July 21, 2025.

Kay was born on October 18, 1944, in Paducah, KY, to Carla West Hulen and Jamie Hulen. She graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School in 1962, followed by Draughons Business College. She married the love of her life, Edward Joseph Steck. After having the privilege to be a full-time mother of three children, Kay enrolled at the age of 40 in the University of South Carolina where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in English. She was honored with membership in Phi Beta Kappa. After graduation she began a career as the first librarian for St. John Neumann Catholic School while earning a master's degree in Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina. Kay also served as Assistant Principal for eight of her 15 years at St. John Neumann Catholic School. Kay had a gift for making people feel welcome, always looking for the best in any situation and person she met. She loved gardening, books, and most of all her family and her faith.

Kay is survived by her husband of 60 years, Edward, three children: Edward Joseph Steck, II (Austin, TX), Jeffrey David Steck (Laura, Northbrook, IL), and Susan Elizabeth Steck (Columbia, SC); a brother, Jim Hulen (Diane, Georgia); four grandchildren Emily, Andrew, Walker, and Holden; and one niece and five nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bill Hulen, sister Glenda Jo Hulen Chumbler, one niece, and one nephew.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Steck will be held at 11 o'clock on Saturday, August 2nd, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road, Columbia, SC, with Father C. Alexander McDonald officiating. A reception will follow in the church parish hall.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. John Neumann Catholic School Library Fund, 721 Polo Rd, Columbia, SC 29223. Please direct any checks to the attention of Francine Barry and make payable to St. John Neumann Catholic School.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.