Merlyn Ann “Fritzie” Blandin, 77, of Hiawatha, died Thursday afternoon, March 30, 2017, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha.

She was born at Mt. Hope, Kansas, July 5, 1939, one of nine children born to Elmer and May Johnson Romig.  She grew up at Mt. Hope, attended school there where she later graduated high school.  Fritzie lived at Burrton, Hutchison, and moved to Hiawatha to be near her daughter Tammy about 18 years ago.  She worked for Flair Fold in Hiawatha for about 10 years.  She began working as a Green Thumb worker, first in the office at NEK CAP in the Brown County Courthouse, later for Big Brothers Big Sisters a few years before she retired.

Fritzie loved her family first, loved to watch KU Basketball and was a whiz at growing African violets.  She enjoyed raising pansies and iris.  To say Merlyn loved to sew was an understatement—she started sewing at a young age.  She also enjoyed  craft painting and reading.

She married Glenn Dale Blandin, December 6, 1955, at Seagraves, Texas.

Survivors include her children: Glen Dale Blandin of Round Rock, Texas, Jeff Blandin (Mabel) of Hutchinson, Kansas, Tammy Adams (James) of Hiawatha, Terry McMillan (Brian) of Hillsboro, Kansas, Jennifer Jaquet (Brian), also of Hutchinson; 19 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother Virgil Romig of Lansing, Michigan; with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings:  Lawrence, John, Edna Hackett, Edith “Maxine” Athens, Betty Bitter, Nellie Reichenberger, and Ella Rose Walker.

Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Merlyn Blandin Memorial Fund, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.
www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com