Merrily Kathleen McCamey, 80, passed away Aug. 15, 2022, at Hospice House of Reno County in Hutchinson. She was born July 25, 1942, at Great Bend, to Thomas and Nora (Manke) Karst. She married John Madison, had a daughter, Sheryl, and they were later divorced. She then married August Collins and they also later divorced. She then later married Jerry Prade “J.P.” McCamey in Indianapolis in January 2004. Merrily and J.P. spent the last 20 years traveling all over and it was a great passion for her.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Merrily graduated from Otis Bison High School in 1960 and attended Bethany College in Lindsborg and Brown-Mackie College in Salina. She was a secretary for Lee Turner, Farm Bureau and Larned State Hospital. Merrily was a member of Encounter Church (formerly First Assembly of God Church) and volunteered for the prison ministry. Merrily was a talented musician being accomplished in the flute, piano, harp and voice. She enjoyed collecting recipes and had many pets throughout the last 50 years, along with her daughter Rita, that she loved and cherished, especially her dog, Sebastian and two cats, Toby and Angel. 

Survivors include, her husband, J.P. McCamey; daughters, Sheryl McDowell of Nashville, Tenn. and her children, Zachary and Madison McDowell, Rita Collins and Kathy Norlin both of Great Bend; twin boys, James Collins of Hutchinson and John Collins of Colo.; special daughters, Sharon George and Tyra Collins; and J.P.’s children, Pastor Alan McCamey of Columbus, Kan., Pastor Jerry McCamey and Debbie Edgeworth all of Indiana; a sister, Winona Hooten of Batesville, Ark.; and her children, Brandon Thomas (Chelsi) and Tina Gibbs (Jacob); and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Lydia Rippie; and a grandson, Jacob. 

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, at Encounter Church in Great Bend with Pastor Alan McCamey and Pastor Dwight Dozier presiding. Memorials have been designated to Hospice House of Reno County or Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS.  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 17, 2022