DODGE CITY – Merlene Elizabeth Nilhas, 65, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita.

She was born January 8, 1959 at Dodge City, the daughter of Merle W. and Audrey J. (Messer) Nilhas.  She grew up on a farm in Hodgeman County and attended school in Jetmore and later went to Special Education at Central School in Dodge City and graduated from Dodge City High School and attended Vo-Tech.  She participated in the Work Program and many other activities as a member of the Arrowhead West family.

She was a member of Dodge City Church of Christ, Special Olympics and the Hodgeman County 4-H Club.

Survivors include: her brother, Jeff Nilhas and wife Pam, Dodge City; her sister, Barbara (Nilhas) Rich and husband Doug, Lawrence, Kansas; 4 nieces, Darcie Osgood and husband Chad, Diantha Rutledge, Lindsey Heckert and husband Chad and Amber Nilhas; and 5 great nephews and nieces, Gavin Rutledge, Tyler Osgood, Isabella Osgood, Damien Rutledge and Clementine Heckert.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, William Huffman, Jr., a sister, Norma (Huffman) Noland and a great niece, Fiona Rutledge.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 am Friday, February 9, 2024 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City, with Curt Rasmussen officiating.  Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City.  Visitation will be Thursday from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday at Ziegler Funeral Chapel.

The family suggests memorials to Arrowhead West (Client Assistance Fund) in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.