Merlene Mccluggage

Merlene Humbolt McCluggage, 96, formerly of Douglass, died Thursday, February 17, 2022 after living a blessed and full life. Merlene was born on a farm outside of Rose Hill, Kansas on May 27, 1925, to Homer and Leota Johnson Humbolt. She attended school at Rose Hill. In 1945, she married Jamie (Jim) McCluggage. Together they raised three children in Rose Hill. During that time Merlene worked at the Rose Hill high school in the office. Later they moved to Douglass where she began working as a bookkeeper for the Douglass Superintendent's office.

Jim and Merlene were longtime members at the Douglass Church of Christ and during retirement spent many hours at the Douglass Senior Center. One of her favorite things to do was going on trips especially with Jim's siblings and their spouses. Merlene loved gardening, watching basketball, and observing the birds in the yard. She was an excellent cook who made the very best breads and desserts.

Merlene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; son, Jimmy McCluggage; daughter, Janice Northam; and brothers, Clinton and Paul Humbolt. She is survived by son, Mark (Cristy); daughter-in-law, Angie McCluggage Williams; son-in-law, Gary Northam; grandchildren, Matt McCluggage, Andrea McCluggage Herbert, John McCluggage; Collette McCluggage Meador, Matt Yoder, John Yoder; Heather Northam, Darin Northam, and Bri Northam Idelman as well as many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews who meant so very much to her.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Maria Court in Mulvane for their assistance and care during her many years living there. In honor of Merlene, please consider making a memorial donation to the Douglass Senior Center to support their Meals on Wheels program, 124 W. Street, Douglass, Kansas 67039.

Visitation 6-8pm Friday, February 25, with funeral services 2pm Saturday, February 26, all at Smith Mortuary in Derby. Interment to follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery.