Merle D. Cudney

Merle Dean Cudney, 80, Marysville, died Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at Cambridge Place, Marysville, after battling cancer for two years. A service was at 10:30 a.m. Monday at First Christian Church, Marysville. Sharon Marx was the pianist, and Mike Minihan sang “Long Black Train,” “Go Rest High on That Mountain” and “When I Get Where I’m Going.” Burial was in Marysville City Cemetery. Pallbearers were Mike Cudney, Sean Cudney, Derek Cudney, Bryan Cudney, Brandon Cudney and Matt Hoffman. Merle Cudney was born on Nov. 7, 1929, at Mountain Home, Ark., the son of Leo H. and Minnie Opal Slama Cudney. He was baptized at First Christian Church in 1941. He graduated in 1948 from Marysville High School. He married Luella Stang, who died Feb. 18, 1971. He then married Virginia Ingerly Cottrell on Oct. 27, 1971, at Elko, Nev. He worked for Union Pacific Railroad as a clerk for 37 years. When he retired, he farmed. He was a member of the Transportation Communications Union and UP Employees’ Club 28. He enjoyed farming, growing produce in large garden plots, adopting stray cats and dogs, feeding squirrels and birds, fixing different things, traveling and wandering through antique malls. He especially enjoyed sharing his garden produce with family and friends. Survivors include his wife; brothers, Darrell and Leo, both of Marysville; sister, Charlotte Heiserman, Lawrence; daughters, Vickie Hoffman, Yuma, Colo., and Susan McGlasson, Masonville, Colo.; sons, Mike, Shawnee, and Bryan, Wichita; step-children, Brenda Cottrell and Roger Cottrell, both of Marysville, and Ronda Noel, Wichita; 10 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial contributions can be made to Community Memorial Healthcare and sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, Marysville, in charge of arrangements. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Merle D. Cudney, please visit our flower store.