Melinda Ryder: Heart of Hamburger Mary's | Wichita News

A beloved drag icon and pillar of Kansas City’s Hamburger Mary’s, Melinda Ryder — known for her radiant stage presence and decades of community service — has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. A true “matron” of the venue and a tireless philanthropist alongside her husband Kirk Nelson, she helped raise thousands through events like Drag Bingo and touched countless lives. Her final performance was Tuesday night, leaving a gaping void in the hearts of fans, staff, and the entire city. Her legacy of grace, joy, and giving will forever echo in the halls of Hamburger Mary’s and beyond. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b3b0535f504ae5cb