MARILEE A. EMERSON, 86, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Wednesday evening, September 17, 2014 at William Newton Hospital in Winfield surrounded by her family.

Born on November 26, 1927 in Ottawa, Kansas, she was the daughter of Virgil and Marie (Pfoutz) McKinney. As a young girl, she spent lots of time with her grandparents who taught her to fish and hunt and took her traveling with them. While attending school she enjoyed music, gymnastics and dancing. Marilee graduated from Ottawa High School in 1945. Following graduation she enrolled in the US Cadet Nurses Program at James C. Stormont School of Nursing in Topeka, Kansas and attended Washburn University, receiving her nursing degree.

She was united in marriage to Richard "Dick" Emerson on April 10, 1949 in Topeka. The couple moved to Winfield and she began employment at William Newton Memorial Hospital. Marilee later was employed for USD 465 as an elementary school nurse and retired in 1980. The couple moved to Woodland Park, Colorado and lived there until 1997 and then returned to Winfield. Dick preceded her in death on February 18, 2008.

Marilee was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Winfield and was involved in several Bible studies and served on several committees. She was also a member of the Jaycee Janes and volunteered for numerous activities in the area. She enjoyed traveling and the couple had taken 15 cruises and 6 trips to Hawaii before his passing.

Her family includes:
Her children: Lynn Biddle of Winfield, KS; Linda Hiebert and husband Michael of Divide, CO; Shawn Emerson of Winfield, KS; and Randy Emerson and wife Carrie of Colorado Springs, CO;
Her grandchildren: Brian, Chris, Amber, Tyson, Heather, Mollie, Jennifer, Katie, Cory and Melissa;
Her step-grandchildren: Emily and Nic;
Her 17 great-grandchildren; and
Her sister-in-law; Beverly Locke and husband George of Rapid City, SD.

Memorial services will take place at 10:00 A.M., Monday, September 22, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church. Inurnment for Mr. & Mrs. Emerson will take place at a later date at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Winfield. Miles Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials have been established in Marilee's name for the First United Methodist Church and USD 465 Foundation. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.