Merlyn John Ridder

Merlyn John Ridder, 89, of rural Westmoreland, KS, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2014 at his home near Flush, KS. He was born March 3, 1924 in Topeka, KS, the son of August and Mary Straub Ridder. He attended grade school in Paxico, KS and graduate from Flush High School in 1942. Merlyn worked for area farmers for a short time following high school before enlisting into the U.S. Army and serving from 1943 – 1946. He then moved to Manhattan, KS for a short time and worked at Chapel’s Creamery before returning to the Flush area to continue farming until he retired. While living in the Flush area, Merlyn enjoyed driving a school bus for 25 years, of which he had many fond memories. He married Dorothy Repp at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Flush on June 19, 1947. She survives of their home. Merlyn was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Flush, Knights of Columbus, and served on the boards for P.R.W. and Watershed District 45 for many years. He enjoyed being with his family, attending their school and athletic events, and was an avid fisherman, skilled woodworker, and known to have an ornery fun-loving personality. He was happiest when he was busy on his farm, especially when he had his grandkids by his side. His survivors also include: five daughters, Linda Morris (Don) of Junction City, KS, Kathy Haidley (Jim) of Omaha, NE, Micki Suther (Ron) of Blaine, KS, Bev Herrman (Glenn) of Winchester, KS, Annette Dortch (Larry) of Kearney, MO; two sons, Larry Ridder (Darla) of Westmoreland, KS, Rick Ridder (Michele) of Flush, KS; two brothers, Kenny Ridder of Topeka, KS and Clayton Ridder of rural Olsburg, KS; 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren with two more expected soon. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Jo; one brother, Clarence “Cookie” Ridder; two sisters, Suzie Zoeller and Joan Helget. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 23, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Flush. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Ridder will lie in-state at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego beginning at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, where a visitation will be held starting at 6:30 p.m. with a Rosary recited at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, PO Box 48, 66547.