Obituaries - August 19, 2024

Violet C. Mermis

Violet C. Mermis, age 92, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on August 17,2024. She was born on September 16, 1931, in Munjor, Kansas, to Alex W. Klaus and Adeline Leiker. Violet was a cherished resident of Salina since 1954, having previously lived in McCook, Nebraska.

Violet married Robert W. Mermis on June 18, 1952, in Severin, Kansas. She was a dedicated sales associate at JC Penney Co. for 10 years, retiring in 1996, and also worked as a teller at First State Bank of Salina. Her commitment to her community was evident through her roles as Past President of St. John’s Hospital Auxiliary, St. Mary’s Guild, RSVP, Salina Regional Health Center Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels Program, and the Municipal Ladies Golf Association. Violet was a devout member of St. Mary’s Church.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert W. Mermis, and their children: Michael Mermis (Watauga, TX), Greg Mermis (Kansas City, MO), Patricia Bluhm (Austin, TX), and Marjorie Horton (Derby, KS). Violet is also survived by her sisters Velma Pfannestiel, and Lillian Schlyer of Hays, KS. She leaves behind six grandchildren: Becky Quigley (Great Bend, KS), Chris Vroom (Fort Worth, TX), Katie Horton (Wichita, KS), Beth Horton (Wichita, KS), Elke Mermis (Evergreen, CO), and Shae Mermis (Brooklyn, NY).

A Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church with burial to follow at Mt Calvary Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Building Fund or another charity to be decided. Please contact St. Mary’s Church at 827-4822 or Ryan Mortuary at 825-4242 for further details.

Violet’s family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Henry Reed of Mowery Clinic for his care and support.

Virginia Marie Bearly Troutman Walker

Virginia Marie Bearly Troutman Walker, 99, of Salina, died at her home Thursday, August 15, 2024 surrounded by her family. Marie was born June 3, 1925 at home in Linn County, Kansas, the daughter of Earnest LaRoy and Edith (Carmin) Bearly. She was united in marriage to James Floyd Troutman on January 14, 1949 in Kansas City, KS. They remained happily married until his death on April 13, 1992.

Marie graduated from Parker High School in 1943, and remained close to her classmates throughout the years . Following high school, she worked in the Parker post office until she was married. After marriage Marie and James welcomed two children, a son in 1952 and a daughter in 1956. They built their life on a farm in rural Linn County, Kansas.

Marie loved music, animals, laughter, anything glittery, and the Waltons. She loved Christmas and hosted friends and family in her home for holiday craft shows for many years. She loved to celebrate Christmas with an annual trip to Branson. In 2020, she moved to Salina KS to be closer to her daughter. She loved her apartment at Residence 600 and enjoyed it when friends came to visit. When she was able, she attended Mentor United Methodist Church. She was a huge supporter of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed attending activities that they were involved in.

Marie is survived by a son, Elvin Troutman and his wife Jeanette, of Overland Park, Kansas and a daughter, Jamie Hofmeier and her husband Dennis of Salina. She is also survived by her grandchildren Kylee and Chris Comeau of Salina, James and Shannon Troutman of Overland Park, Kate and TJ Soto of Monument, CO, and Melanie and Aaron Bikis of Portland, OR. Marie deeply loved her great grandchildren as well, Kaiden, Kort, Brayden, Owen, Cooper,

Gavin, and Ashlynn. She is also survived by her sister, Grace Carothers (Clayton) and sister in law, Evelyn Bearly; as well as countless nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

The family will welcome friends for a casual celebration of life on Friday, August 23, 2024 from 6:30-8:00 at Mentor United Methodist Church, in Mentor, KS. A burial will be held in Linn County, KS on October 5th.