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 827-4242 for further details.
Violet’s family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Henry Reed of Mowery Clinic for his care and support.