Merna Mae (Schlachter) Kinnison Harms, 98, was born Aug. 15, 1924, at Glenvil, Nebraska. She died July 5, 2023, at The Ambassador Health of Lincoln at the at of 98 years.

Merna was united in marriage with Byron “Red” Kinnison for 50 years with Warren Harms her last eight years. Red and Merna owned Kinnison Grocery Store in Edgar for 36 years. She worked hard in the store, as well as a homemaker raising five children.

She graduated from practical nursing school at Kearney, Nebraska, in 1980, at the age of 54 and was employed as an LPN at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings and the Harvard Nursing Home.

Merna enjoyed music. She played the organ and was blessed with a beautiful voice. She sang with a trio for many area funerals. Later in life, she and Warren would sing hymns together. They would read devotions together and pray for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In her spare time, she liked to bake bread, rolls, especially pecan cinnamon rolls and apple and peach pie. She canned fruits, vegetables, made black raspberry jelly and Mrs. Spence’s 21-day sweet pickles. She also liked playing cards. Her greatest love and enthusiasm in life was her devotion to her family and helping others in need.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Red in 1993; a grandson, Scott Lawton in 2010; a daughter, Jane Neely in 2019; all six of her siblings, and her second husband, Warren, on May 2, 2023.

Left to treasure her memory are her children, Roxie Rose of Lincoln, Nebraska; Mrs. Gary Christman (Kris), of Lincoln; Mrs. Michael Baker (Bobbie), of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Clark Kinnison of Kearney, Nebraska; six stepchildren; 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren and many step-grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Her funeral was Monday, July 10, at the Williams Funeral Home in Edgar with Pastor Michael and Bobbie Baker officiating with interment in the Edgar Cemetery.