Merlyn J. Andrews

Nov. 8, 1925 - Jan. 2, 2010

GRAND ISLAND -- Merlyn J. Andrews, 84, died Saturday (Jan. 2, 2010) surrounded by her family at her home in Grand Island.

She was born, Nov. 8, 1925, to Robert E. and Edith M. Anderson in Meriden, Kan. She grew up in Meriden, Kan., Topeka, Kan., and graduated from Seaman Rural High School in 1943. She attended Stricklers Business College in Topeka.

On August 30, 1946, she married Howard D. Andrews at Seaman Community Church in Topeka. She lived in Topeka and Manhattan, Kan., before moving to Nebraska, living in McCook for 25 years and Grand Island for 35 years.

She worked as a comptometer operator for the Sante Fe Railroad for three years. During that time she performed with the "Three J's", a trio that entertained World War II veterans at hospitals, officer clubs and at the Jay Hawk Theater and local radio stations. Later she worked as a grade school and church secretary.

She was a leader in the Brownie and Girl Scout troops as well as a Cub Scout leader. She was an active member of the Methodist Church in McCook and Grand Island, serving as a leader in the women's circle and church choir. She was a Worthy Matron of Roberta Chapter of the Eastern Star at Indianola and president of the Past Worthy Matron's of Grand Island. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She performed in many plays for the Picadilly Dinner Theater and was a model for the Grand Island Trend Board at the Conestoga Mall.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard D. Andrews; her parents; and two sisters, Thelma and Chloe.

Survivors include two sons, Dr. Steven and wife, Sue Andrews of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., and Randy and wife, Peg Andrews of McCook; two daughters, Susan and husband, Lanny Thomsen of Grand Island, and Judy and husband, Mike McKee of Parkville, Mo.; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life service is Saturday, 1 p.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church, 5th and Elm St., in Grand Island.

Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or the Liederkranz.

Condolences may be sent to www.giallfaiths.com