Merle Marie Stockman was born October 27, 1921, in Orion, Kansas, the daughter of Howard and Nora Beougher Moore, and joined her loved ones in Heaven on July, 23, 2011, at the age of 89. Her early years were spent growing up in Western Kansas with her seven siblings.
On July 27, 1941, Marie was united in marriage to Warren Stockman in Hill City, Kansas, and they spent their entire married life in Kirwin. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Carla.
Thirty-five years of her life were devoted to teaching in the Kirwin school system. In 1968, she was nominated for Phillips County Master Teacher.
Active in the community, she shared her talents by playing piano and organ for church, organizations, funerals, etc. She was a member of Kirwin United Methodist Church and a past member of K.K. Club, Order of the Eastern Star, and Lady Lions of Kirwin. She was honored to be crowned Old Settler's Queen in 2002.
Following retirement, Warren and Marie enjoyed traveling with friends on bus trips to many destinations around the country.
Her days were spent creating treasured gifts of quilts, afghans and sewing projects which were lovingly presented at Christmas. Family members also looked forward to receiving a new pair of knitted house slippers each year. Lap afghans were crocheted and given to nursing home residents.
Marie's greatest joy was spending time with family, watching it grow to five generations. Her memory will be cherished as a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister and friend. Family reunions with cousins were an important part of her year.
In 1999, she completed a book, "Only Yesterday", as a gift to her family. It was a recollection of early childhood days and growing up years. Poetry and verse were also a passion and many writings have a poignant theme.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Nora Moore; her husband, Warren; two brothers, Eugene and Lawrence; two sisters, Myrtle and Geraldine; and a granddaughter, Kristina Justine.
She is survived by her daughter, Carla, and companion, Tim Redmond, of Topeka; two granddaughters, Kathy Bush and partner, Rhonda Gillette, Tonganoxie; Kay Lyn Carlson and husband, Carl, Topeka; seven great-grandchildren, Jennifer Hitt and husband, Travis; Jessice Kibbee and husband, Randy; Austin Bush; Maya Gillette; Emily, Anna and Ethan Carlson. She is also survived by four great-great grandchildren, Cassidy Brunin, Miles Kibbee, Reagan and Carter Hitt. Marie has three living sisters, Lucile Curtner, Rosalie Luck and Anita Davis.
She leaves a legacy of kindness and gentleness to everyone and will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.
Funeral services will be Thursday, July 28, at Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg with Pastor Nancy Harris-Ott officiating. Burial will follow at Kirwin Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be given to the Kirwin United Methodist Church.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Nancy Harris-Ott officiating. Burial will follow in the Kirwin Cemetery, Kirwin, KS.

Visitation will be Tues. from 5 – 9 p.m. and Wed. from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the funeral home, with the family receiving friends Wed. evening from 7 – 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Kirwin United Methodist Church.