Merrice Raye Brooks was a Valentine's baby born February 14, 1925, in Decatur County to Faye and Ida (Gallentine) Goodman and she passed away March 30, 2023, in Norton, KS at the age of 98.
Merrice grew up attending the local country school, The Gallentine School, for grades 1-8 and graduating from Clayton High School. She walked to country school every day sometimes even in snow and dust storms. Merrice was an extremely bright child, even taking two grades in one year because she was academically advanced.
On August 12, 1942, Merrice married her high school sweetheart Weldon Brooks in Salt Lake City, Utah where they lived briefly before moving back to Norton when Weldon left for service in World War II. They farmed and raised livestock in Clayton for the remainder of their married life before they retired and moved into Norton and later to an assisted living facility.
Being married to a farmer for 76 years required faith, perseverance, and grit. Merrice worked as hard as anyone including laboring in the fields, driving tractor and truck, changing water, hauling grain, and milking cows. In her job of making and delivering meals to the field for farm hands and her family, she became well known as an excellent cook, making nearly everything from scratch and always with love.
In addition to being a farmer’s wife and mother of three, she was also very active in the Clayton United Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher and Treasurer as well as helping organize countless church dinners and events. She was famous for her chocolate cakes which were a sought-after item at every church bazaar. Merrice also served the community as a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and was a proud Gold Star mother. She served on the FHA Board to approve loans for farmers, was a cooking leader for the Prairie Dog 4-H Club, and drove students for school activities including field trips and required vaccinations. She was a longtime member of the LD Club, a ladies social club, who organized civic service projects and provided local scholarships.
Merrice was an avid singles and couples card player and mastered such games as bridge, pitch, pinochle, and canasta. She will be lovingly remembered by all for her love of family, the color red, her unwavering positive attitude, and quiet grace.
Merrice was preceded in death by her parents, brother, husband, son Bart Brooks, and daughter-in-law Gail Brooks. She is survived by her son, Bill Brooks of Norton; daughter, Barbara (Don) Kelly of Lawrence, KS; brother-in-law Dale (Virginia) Brooks; five grandchildren, Steve Brooks, Sammye (Todd) Strickler, Bart (Cheri) Brooks, Angie (Brent) Schniers, and Kara (Eric) Huffman; 13 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, April 8th, at the United Methodist Church in Clayton. Interment will follow at the Clayton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-7:00 pm Friday, April 7th, at the funeral home with the family greeting friends form 5-7:00 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Clayton United Methodist Church or Clayton Cemetery and may be sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com.