Margaret L. Brooks, 86, Thayer, died Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at Labette Health, Parsons.

She was born Nov. 2, 1922, at Attica to Olin J. and Jeanetta E. Hoyt Kinzer. She grew up at Attica and attended schools there, graduating from Attica High School in 1940. Following high school she moved to Parsons where she worked at the Edwards grocery store and a dry cleaning business.

She and L. Meryle Brooks were married May 16, 1942, at Sidney, Neb. He died on July 15, 1997.

She and her husband moved to rural Thayer after World War II where they farmed for many years. She was a homemaker and helped her husband on the family farm. They later moved into Thayer. They also owned and operated the M&M café at Thayer.

She was a member of the Thayer Christian Church. She enjoyed baking and making candies. She made Christmas candy every Christmas. She was active in the PTA and 4-H when her children were young. She also enjoyed spending time at the Senior Center in Thayer. She served as the Grand Marshall at the Thayer Homecoming Parade this past year. She was affectionately known as “Grandma” within the Thayer community.

Survivors include three sons and two daughters-in-law, Duane Brooks, Thayer, Mervin and Sharon Brooks, Columbus, and Marvin and Sandy Brooks, Thayer; 46 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Bill Kinzer, Parsons, and Paul Kinzer, Claremore, Okla.; and a sister, Jewell Shields, Broomfield, CO.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Sheryl Vanderford, on March 12, 2003; a great-grandson, Isiah Michael Brooks, on Nov. 9, 2006; and a sister, Jean Vanzant.

Funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Thayer Christian Church. Cremation will follow the service and a private committal service will be held at a later date at the Thayer Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Carson-Wall Funeral Home, Parsons.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Contributions to Thayer Christian Church Youth Group may be left at or mailed to the funeral home 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.