Julia Coady Mermis, 95, of Russell and former Gorham, Kansas resident, died Thursday, February 17, 2011 at the Russell Regional Hospital. 

Julia was born on December 21, 1915 in Russell County, Kansas the daughter of Patrick and Sylvia (Fink) Coady.  She grew up and attended school in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in 1935.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Tony Mermis on March 30, 1937 in Russell.  From this union they were blessed with three sons, Robert “Bob”, James “Jim” and Stephen better known as Steve.  Tony preceded her in death on January 14, 1987.  During the early years Julia and Tony lived and worked on the family farm south of Gorham.  Once their family stated to grow they later moved into Gorham, while Tony farmed North of Gorham.  They both were longtime members of the St. Mary Catholic Church of Gorham.  She was a quiet and private person who dedicated her life to her family as wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker.

She is survived by two sons Jim and wife Barbara of Houston, Texas and Steve of Russell; 8 Grandchildren, 9 Great Grandchildren; sister Betty Newton of Anthony, Kansas and brother Richard Coady of Eugene, Oregon.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters, son Bob, great grandchild Cameron and daughter in-law Diane.

A celebration of Julia’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with Father Frank Coady officiating.  Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Gorham, Kansas.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM on Monday, February 21, 2011 with family present to greet guests from 6 PM to 7PM at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.  A Rosary will be conducted at 7 PM Monday evening.  Memorials may be given to the Daughters of Isabella of Gorham, Kansas and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.