Merlene G. Smith, 69, Topeka, died Friday, May 17, 2019, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka.

She was born Dec. 20, 1949, at Topeka, the daughter of Marvin and Louise Warren Gentry. She graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1967.

Merlene worked as a secretary for the Department of Aging for the State of Kansas and retired after 30 years of service. She had attended the First Christian Church at Valley Falls.

She married Virgil "Rocky" Smith in 1986, at Topeka. He died May 24, 2008. During their 22 years of marriage they enjoyed fishing and camping.

Survivors include her sister-in-law, Lorraine Gentry, Valley Falls, and her nephew, Brian Gentry, Scott City.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her brother, Gary Gentry, July 26, 2018.

A Memorial Graveside Service will be held at the Valley Falls Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shawnee-Jefferson County Meals on Wheels, and sent c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.