Marlyne “Mernie” Nininger, 103, died November 25 (Thanksgiving Day), 2021. She was born Marlyne Charlotte Neel, April 13, 1918, in Windom, Kansas, the third of five children, to Walter and Edna (Bengston) Neel.
Mernie graduated from Hutchinson High School, where she met Lawrence “Larry” Nininger in chemistry class. They were married October 14, 1939, and shared nearly 68 years of marriage. She earned a degree in medical records, with training in nursing from Hutchinson Community College.
After living briefly in Tulsa, and Chicago, Mernie and Larry became longtime Hutchinson area residents, retiring after 36 years of farming, and moving to Buena Vista, CO, in 1985. They returned to Hutchinson in 2005. Mernie was a charter member of Nickerson “Cameo Club”, PEO Chapter Q, helped found PEO Chapter DL in Buena Vista, and volunteered at Hospice House and the Hutchinson Public Library. She was involved in creating community and hospitality wherever she was; Mernie’s faith, family, friends (and a quantity of good food for all) were uppermost.
Mernie is survived by: son, Jerry Nininger (Debbie) of Hutchinson; daughter, Judy Edmands (Clay) of Buena Vista, CO; grandchildren, Scott Edmands (Debra), Elise Lowry (Tom), Jesse Nininger (Rebecca), Clifford Nininger (Lacey), Anna Nininger, and Katy Nininger; eleven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; brothers, Ailiff and Dr. Wilbur Neel; and sisters, Moretha Lyman and Ineta Studebaker; her husband Larry; and a grandson, Todd Edmands.
Private graveside service is planned at Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may visit Elliott Mortuary from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 29, 2021. The family will be present to greet friends from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at Elliott Mortuary. A “Celebration of Life” service will be planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Victory Village Christian Academy, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.