Marsha Kay Mercer

Marsha Kay (Cox) Mercer, 73, passed away at her home in Emporia, KS on January 23, 2026. 

Born on August 14, 1952, in Emporia, KS, to parents James and Dorothy (Jeck) Cox, Marsha attended school in Madison, KS, graduating from Madison High School in 1971. She was united in marriage to Gerald 'Jerry' Mercer on September 13, 1974. After attending technical college, Marsha started working for the State of Kansas as an account manager for the Department of Children and Families. After a decades long career, she retired and spent much of her time with her family and caring for wayward cats that might have made their way to the Mercer home. She also greatly enjoyed participating in the 'unofficial women's group' that had formed in her neighborhood. 

She is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Jerry Mercer; father, James Cox; and sister, Janet. 

Marsha is survived by her mother, Dorothy Cox; daughter, Bobbi Burk (Jeremy); stepsons, Jay Mercer (Michelle) and Jeff Mercer (Janet); sister, Jean Titus; five brothers, Jim Cox, Bill Cox, Bob Cox, Ed Cox, and Fred Cox; five grandchildren, Chase, McKayla, Jordan, and Jerod Mercer and Bryden Burk; and one great-grandchild, Madden Mercer.

A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning an hour prior, at the 1st Christian Church in Madison, KS.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter c/o VanArsdale Funeral Home, PO Box 488, Madison, KS 66860.