CLAFLIN – Merlene E. (Hopkins) Doll was called home by her Lord and Savior, Saturday, April 11, 2020 at Olathe Health Hospice House, Olathe, KS.

Merlene was born March 25, 1929, to Lee and Bessie (Ledbetter) Hopkins in West Plains, Missouri. She was the youngest of four children and spent her early years in West Plains, MO, and Burtton, KS, before moving to Claflin where she attended elementary school and Claflin High School, graduating valedictorian of her class. 

She married Edward Doll on April 26, 1948 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Claflin, KS. Unto that union three children were born. She was a homemaker and farm wife well known for her good cooking and outstanding homemade pies. She was a devout Catholic and member of Immaculate Conception Church and Altar Society. She was an avid seamstress and quilter contributing to the design and making of the Altar Society’s annual “Church Quilt.” She loved a good game of cards and league bowling with the ladies.

Merlene is survived by her children Douglas (May), Joplin, MO; Allen, Olathe, KS and Jean (Rex) Hughes, Golden, CO; a brother, Vernice Hopkins, Overland Park, KS; seven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Merlene was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; parents, Lee and Bessie Hopkins; sister, Eunice Lanphier; brother, J P Hopkins.

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of life service has been postponed until a later date. There will be a private graveside service officiated by Father Terrance Klein and burial at Claflin, Pleasant View Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Claflin Ambulance Service or Immaculate Conception Church in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 15, 2020