Merna E. Brisbin

Merna E. Brisbin, 80, of Manhattan, Kansas, died Monday, April 11, 2016 at Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.

Merna was born on December 20, 1935, at home in rural Wabaunsee County, to Walter and Blanche (Lowe) Kensing. She attended Louisville Grade School and Wamego High School, graduating in 1953. She then attended secretarial school in Topeka.

She worked at Kaw Valley State Bank in Wamego for many years, and then at Kansas State University as a secretary for the Nuclear Engineering Department, retiring in 1998.

Merna was united in marriage on October 23, 1955 to Carey N. Brisbin Jr.. They were married nearly 60 years before Carey's death on August 28, 2015.

She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Wamego for many years before transferring her membership to the Pearce Keller Post 17 in Manhattan. Some of her pastimes included roller skating, dancing, bowling, sewing, crocheting, attending her children's and grandchildren's sporting events and in later years playing bingo and visiting the casinos.

Merna is survived by a sister, Ruth Brown of Manhattan; her children, Virginia (Bill) Nowland, Gary Brisbin and Brenda Brisbin all of Manhattan; five grandchildren, Melissa (Todd) Gamino, Christopher (Kristen) Nowland, Crystal Nowland (Patrick Rountree) all of Manhattan, Cassie (Chase) Elliott of San Diego, California and Devyn (Travis) Love of Ft. Polk, Louisiana; six great-grandchildren​, Britney Nowland, Colton Elliott, Eric Nowland, Cooper Elliott, Bradley Nowland and Carter Love, with another due in April and two more in October. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Merna was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Cheney, and one great-grandchild.

At Merna's request, she has been creamated and there will be no service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Johnson Cancer Research Center at KSU, the Good Shepherd Hospice House of Manhattan, or a charity of the donor's choice.