Obituaries - Tuesday, November 10
Marlie Joy Hamilton
July 2, 1975 - November 5, 2026
Marlie Hamilton passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at home surrounded by family and friends.
Marlie Joy Hamilton was born July 2, 1975, in Whittier, California to Marion and Rosalie (Shockley) Langley. As a young child, she moved with her family to Colby where she graduated from Colby High School. She eventually made her home in Salina. She worked in the Early Education Center at the Salina Family YMCA for nearly 25 years as well as a sales associate for Walmart. In July 2017, she married Charles Hamilton.
Famed educator Rita Pierson said, “Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists they become the best that they possibly can be.” Miss Marlie embodied this every day in her work with children. She dedicated her life to working and advocating for young children. She believed in their potential when others would have given up. She enjoyed staying connected with her kids and their families throughout the years to see the path their lives took, knowing she played a small part in their journey.
As a member of Living World International Ministries, Marlie was also a devoted servant of God. She lived as an example of his shining greatness every day. This was evident in how she always saw the good in others.
Marlie touched the lives of everyone around her. She brought joy to all those who knew her. Her legacy will live on in those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Marlie was proceeded in death by her parents, Rosalie and Marion Langley as well as her grandparents, Charles and Mabel Langley and Jack and Flora Shockley.
She is survived by her husband, Charles, her stepdaughters, Cassie Jones, Reagan Hamilton, and Makayla Cox, grandchildren, Kyrie Hamilton, Ayden Bosquez, Khamilah Watson, Sylvie Cox and Scarlett Cox, her half-sister Patricia Langley, her aunt Jeannie Sheen along with numerous extended family members.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 13, 2026, at 10 am at Ryan Mortuary followed by burial at Gypsum Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, November 12 from 4-8 at Ryan Mortuary.
To assist the family with medical bills, contributions may be made directly to the Marlie Hamilton Memorial Fund at First Bank Kansas. To help establish a permanent educational legacy honoring Marlie’s life work, memorial gifts may be made to Greater Salina Community Foundation (P.O. Box 2876, Salina, KS 67401) with In Memory of Marlie Hamilton in the memo line to fund a future scholarship.
Ryan Mortuary & Crematory
Joyce Lee Edwards
January 11, 1929 - November 8, 2026
Joyce Lee Edwards 97, of Salina, passed away on November 8, 2026. Joyce was born on January 11, 1929, in Doby Springs Oklahoma, to Ellsworth and Cornelia (Heidelbaugh) Baker.
Joyce graduated from Enumclaw Highschool. She married Fred Edwards on May 11, 1946. Joyce worked at Beech Aircraft as an inspector for 40 years until her retirement. She was a member of the Beech Aircraft Employees Club and a member at First Southern Baptist. Joyce also made alterations for Celebrations Bridal Shop.
Joyce was an accomplished seamstress, crocheting, knitting, and quilting. She enjoyed gardening, canning, and camping. Joyce loved spending time with her family, shopping, collecting Santas, and the holidays.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Husband Fred; Sons Stephen, Ricky, and Carey; sister Patsy Ruth.
Joyce is survived by brother Charles (LaVonne) Baker; sisters Dora Carter, and Kaylene (Mark) Griffith; Children Glenda (Stephen) Edwards, Mary (Carey) Edwards, Cinda (Chuck) Leck, and Lee Ann (Rodger) Sparks; Grand Children Jennifer Edwards, Jill (Brian) Alter, Tina (Troy) Donnelly, Travis Edwards, Jamie (Heath) Whitehouse, Carey Ann Owens, and Brian Owens; great grandchildren Corey Donnelly, Victoria Donnelly, Elijah Alter, Aiden Taylor, Keegan Hollock, Riley Donnelly, Alana Alter, Liam Whitehouse, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina. The funeral service will be 1 p.m. on Friday, November 13, at Ryan Mortuary followed by the burial at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.
Memorials may be made to Salina Animal Services in care of Ryan Mortuary 137 Nth 8th St. Salina KS, 67401.
Ryan Mortuary & Crematory
Wilma Jean Kleinschmidt
June 26, 1940 - November 5, 2026
Wilma Jean Kleinschmidt, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on November 5, 2026, in Salina. She was born on June 26, 1940, in Mayview, Missouri, to Jessie and Irwin Eggers.
Wilma was raised alongside her siblings, Irving Eggers, Ronald Eggers (who preceded her in death), and Doris Mae Lieser. Throughout her life, Wilma built a family through love and devotion. She was first married to Charles Schneider and later married Fred Kleinschmidt.
Wilma was a devout Christian whose faith was an important part of her life. She carried her love for the Lord into her everyday life and was faithful in praying for her family constantly. Her prayers, faith, and unwavering love were a lasting gift to those closest to her. Her family will forever cherish knowing they were always held in her prayers.
Wilma is survived by her children, Charles (Rebecca) Schneider, Ed Schneider, Pam Schneider and Billy (Sally) Schneider. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Jenny Schneider.
Wilma was a cherished grandmother to many grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. A special acknowledgment goes to her granddaughter, Shannon Schneider, who lovingly served as Wilma's primary caregiver over the last several years of her life. The dedication, compassion, and love Shannon showed her grandmother were a beautiful reflection of the special bond they shared.
Wilma will be remembered and deeply missed by her family and all those whose lives she touched. Her love, faith, and prayers will live on through the generations of family she leaves behind.
She will be forever loved and never forgotten.
Ryan Mortuary & Crematory
William “Bill” Jewel Foley, II
November 12, 1952 - November 7, 2026
William “Bill” Jewel Foley, II, passed away on November 7, 2026, at his home in Salina. He was born on November 12, 1952, to Betty (Wilkins) and Bill Foley in Atchison, where he enjoyed a “Leave It To Beaver” style childhood. He was a Boy Scout and achieved rank of Eagle Scout, which fueled his love for the outdoor life and camping.
He graduated from Atchison High School in 1971 and received his first BS in 1975 in Journalism and Mass Communications from Kansas State University. After a year of working in radio sales and broadcasting at St. Joseph, Missouri, and Garden City, he returned to K-State to earn a BS in Milling Science and Management in 1982.
Bill was employed in the flour milling industry for 40 years, starting in the K-State experimental milling laboratory. He worked at flour mills in Wichita, Carthage, Missouri, and Mt. Vernon, Indiana. He was employed for 22 years as a project engineer at ADM Milling Company, Salina, until his retirement in 2017.
Bill loved his years at K-State where he met Cindy Bieker, his surviving wife of 51 years. They were married in Manhattan, at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church. Bill was a proud father of two daughters, Amanda Tibbits (Kevin), Salina, and Kathryn “Katie” Pratt (Tim), Lenexa. He is survived by these daughters and five grandsons: Zackary (Emma), Henry and Oliver Tibbits; and Simon and Graham Pratt. Other survivors include a brother, Bob (Deb) Foley, Bonner Springs, Kansas, and too-many-to- count nieces and nephews. Also surviving is a furry feline child named Sam who adopted Bill when he was on a daily walk 13 years ago. Bill was preceded in death by his parents.
The family wishes to express special thanks to the Salina police officers and EMTs who were on duty in the early hours on a Saturday morning. Their quickness to respond, diligent service and kindness was greatly appreciated.
A private family celebration of life is planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Great Plains SPCA, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St., Salina.
Ryan Mortuary & Crematory
Merrilyn Jean Murrison
February 17, 1940 - November 8, 2026
Merrilyn Jean Murrison, 86, of Salina, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2026. She was a woman of extraordinary kindness, quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to her family. Her gentle spirit, warm smile, and remarkable ability to find something to be grateful for in every circumstance touched the lives of all who knew her.
Born February 17, 1940, in McPherson, Merrilyn was the only child of Rollind and Lafern (Ericson) Olson. Proud of her Swedish heritage, she grew up in Lindsborg, Hillsboro, and Minneapolis, where she graduated from high school. She attended Kansas State University and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
While at Kansas State, she met Clayton “Chuck” Shepard, whom she married shortly after graduation. Together they had three children: Suzan, Steven Michael, and Mark. Following Chuck’s tragic death in a plane crash when Merrilyn was just 25, she returned to Kansas State to renew her teaching credentials and subsequently taught at McKinley Middle School in Clay Center.
In 1970, Merrilyn married Max Murrison and moved with her children to Salina, where she devoted herself to raising her family. They shared 51 years of marriage until Max’s passing in 2021.
Merrilyn’s family was the center of her life. Affectionately known as “MorMor” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel loved, welcomed, and valued. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and unconditional acceptance. She cherished family gatherings and proudly carried on Swedish holiday traditions.
A woman of deep Christian faith, Merrilyn was a devoted member of Christ Cathedral Episcopal Church in Salina for nearly 50 years. She was also a longtime member of P.E.O. Chapter ED and enjoyed reading, playing bridge, and spending time with her many cherished friends.
Her family affectionately described her as a “Kansas Viking,” reflecting the beautiful combination of kindness and warmth from her Kansas upbringing and the strength and resilience of her Swedish heritage. She had a gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and the ability to find joy and laughter even in life’s hardest moments.
Merrilyn is survived by her children, Suzan Murrison, Steven Michael Murrison, and Mark Murrison (Tracy); seven grandchildren, Alisha Lewis (Scott), Brentt Murrison (Sharon Lytle), Nathan Murrison (Audry), Luke Murrison, Sam Murrison, Anna Kate Murrison, and Molly Murrison; and her great-grandchildren Phoenix Lewis, Theo Lewis, Nadia Murrison, Malik Murrison, Aspen Barve, Baker Murrison, Creed Murrison, Jesse, Brayden, Sylas, Jayven and Amariah Murrison. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rollind and Lafern Olson; her first husband, Clayton “Chuck” Shepard; and her husband, Max Murrison.
Merrilyn leaves a legacy of love, grace, and gratitude. She taught those around her, through the example of her life, that true strength can be gentle, kindness is never weakness, and there is always something to be grateful for.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Salina AMBUCS, in care of Heier Scott Mortuary and Cremations, 1920 East Crawford Street, Salina.
Heier Scott Mortuary and Cremations
