Merle R. (Ranney) Laidlaw was born November 4, 1912 in Delphos, Kansas to Benjamin W. and Bessie (Allison) Ranney. She passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2008 in Salina, Kansas.
She was married to Robert Q. Laidlaw in 1962.
Merle worked early in her career as a telephone operator in Delphos, KS. She later worked as a dental assistant first for a dentist in Concordia, KS and later in Kansas City, MO. She and Donn then bought Motel Mainliner in Marion, KS and operated that for many years. When she sold the motel, she moved to Kansas City and worked for several years doing private duty nursing.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert on December 17, 1966; and her brothers, William and Harry Ranney.
Survivors include her son Donn Mason and his wife Gretchen of Wichita; and her granddaughter, Heidi E. Mason of Johnson City, Tennessee.
Graveside services will be at 3 P.M., Thursday at the Delphos Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Delphos Museum and may be left in care of the funeral home.