Neva Jane Merriman

Neva Jane (Kleinhans) Merriman of Lawrence, Kansas passed away on July 29, 2025 at Neuvant House in Lawrence. Neva was born in Colby, Kansas on June 27, 1932 to Ben and Sylvia (Jones) Kleinhans.

Neva graduated from Colby High School and went on to attend Kansas State Teacher’s College (Emporia State University) for one year. There she met her husband, Rev. William (Bill) Merriman, who was serving as pastor of the Wesley Foundation at the college. They were wed in 1951.

Neva and Bill raised four children and in keeping with the Methodist tradition of itinerant ministers, moved throughout Kansas more than ten times over a 47-year marriage. Despite all these moves, Neva and Bill made sure the family had lots of good friends and enjoyed annual camping trips as a way of seeing the country.

Neva returned to her advanced studies by attending Dodge City Community College; earning her B.S. at Saint Mary of the Plains College in 1975 and her M.S. in Psychology at Fort Hays State University.

Upon completion of her graduate degree, Neva worked as a therapist at High Plains Mental Health Center in Hays and later became the Head of Outpatient Services.

During their retirements, Neva and Bill enjoyed traveling and camping around the United States. They traveled in their Tiger RV and lived in it while Neva worked as a volunteer at the McCurdy School in New Mexico.

After Bill’s death in 1999, Neva moved to Lawrence in 2001 to be near family. She made good friends; got involved in the community with volunteer work and became active at First United Methodist Church. Neva was an avid reader and enjoyed creative writing.

Neva was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Merriman, her sister Julia Rupp, her brother, Arthur Kleinhans and three nieces. Neva is survived by her daughter Joy Trollman of Lawrence, her son Dick Merriman (Margot Kelman) of Raleigh, NC, her son Brian Merriman of Shawnee, her daughter Sarah Merriman (Donna Geisler) of Lawrence, grandchildren Adam (Brittnee), Beth, Jennifer (Jay), Ben (Sarah), Aaron, Max, Valerie, great-grandchildren Tracer, Raftyn, Alyssa and Jaron and four nieces.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St. at 11:00 am on Friday, August 8. Neva will be buried with her husband in Hays, Kansas in a private service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Neva’s name to First United Methodist Church, Lawrence.