10/15/2026
Meet Mernie, one of our new neighbors here at the RLC. For Mernie, a life well lived is measured in family, friendship, community service, and the simple joy of connecting with people.
Mernie was born in Ottawa, Kansas, in 1934. She attended school there from her earliest years and graduated from Ottawa High School. When she reflects on her school days, it's the friendships she made that stand out most.
One of the most important connections of her life sparked at the public swimming pool in Ottawa where a young man named Bill was visiting from Wellsville. The two met through mutual friends and started talking, and that simple conversation changed everything.
“I fell in love with him immediately,” Mernie says. “We just connected, and that was that.”
The pair celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past June.
Mernie first worked as a secretary before beginning a career as a bank teller at Kansas State Bank, now known as Patriots Bank. What she enjoyed most about her work was the people.
Family has always been at the center of Mernie’s life. She and Bill raised three sons, all of whom have remained active members of the Garnett community. For many years, Bill served on the Anderson County Hospital board. Today, their son Mike continues that tradition.
Throughout the years, Mernie also devoted countless hours to community service. She was an active member of the Anderson County Hospital Auxiliary, where she worked at the hospitality desk.
From her love story with Bill to her dedication to family, friends, and community, Mernie’s life is a beautiful example of kindness, service, and connection.
Read more about Mernie in our latest Connections newsletter: https://heyor.ca/bLadk7
