VALLEY FALLS- Merle Cline Strole, 84, of Valley Falls, KS, passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2023. He was born June 29, 1938 in Denison, KS, the son of Vernon Maxey and Florence "Pauline" (Cline) Strole.

Merle graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1956 and attended Washburn University towards a teaching degree in History. He proudly served in the United States Army. He was a lifelong member of the Valley Falls community.

He worked for Guys Potato Chips selling on his route, he worked for American Linen and later retired in July 2000 from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Merle enjoyed most sports including Chiefs, Royals, KU and K-State. He was known for this sense of humor, sarcasm and quick wit. It was common to find him at home by 5:00 p.m. so he wouldn't miss his show, Jeopardy. He liked cars- working on them and took pride in having a clean car.

He married Janie Spielman on August 9, 1966 in Miami, OK, she preceded him in death after 33 years of marriage on April 7, 2000. His companion, Laura Jane Foley preceded him after 10 years on September 8, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Florence "Pauline" Strole; brother, Connie Strole and 2 great-grandchildren, Slader Ray Shinn and Rylee Welborn.

Survivors include his 3 children, Lori Glissman (Mike) of Valley Falls, KS, Rod Strole of Topeka, KS and Lee Welborn (Larry) of Valley Falls, KS; sister, Peggy Wichman (Galen) of Richmond, KS; 5 grandchildren, Shelbie Morgison (Kyle) of Perry, KS, Kolbie Glissman and Kyle Glissman both of Valley Falls, KS, Cindi Welborn and Erik Welborn (Lacy) of Valley Falls, KS and 6 great-grandchildren, Kayden, Kolt and Cort Morgison, Vada Shinn, Lucas and Wade Welborn,

Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the Valley Falls United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time. Memorials may be given to the Valley Falls Community Foundation c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.