Merla Grube Dwyer

Mrs. Merla Carol Grube Dwyer – a longtime resident of Wichita, KS, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026 in Olathe, KS. Born and raised in Mobile, AL, Merla developed a lifelong love of music and faith attended Bob Jones University and Auburn University. Merla met her beloved husband, Lawrence “Lad” Dwyer, in Mobile at Greystone Church and school, which was founded by her father. Together, Merla and Lad built a life rooted in faith and family, moving several times before settling in Wichita, Kansas, in 1975. A gifted pianist, Mrs. Dwyer played for numerous churches over the years and generously shared her talent by teaching many students, including several of her grandchildren. She also had a passion for the beach, traveling to Orange Beach, AL nearly every year; she loved to share the experience with family and friends. Her greatest passion was her faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Merla was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Lawrence Albert “Lad” Dwyer; her parents Dr. Henry Edward Grube, Sr. and Eldora Miller Grube; her brother, Henry Edward Grube, Jr. and her daughter Shirley Colleen Dwyer. She is survived by daughters Julie (Russell) Williams and Kelly (Dave) Armstrong; grandchildren Ben (Claire), Jared, Sara, Marie (Steve), Jayley and Jaxie; her great-grandchildren, Quentin, Elliott, Nolan, Teagan, Tyson; and her sister-in-law Sharon (Andy) Rivas. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and a service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, May 16 at 11:00 a.m., both at Olivet Baptist Church, 3440 W. 13th St., Wichita, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to McAdams Academy and Youth Horizons. 

Visitation

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 15, 2026

Place: Olivet Baptist Church ,3440 W. 13th St. N., Wichita, KS 67203

Funeral Service

Time: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026

Place: Olivet Baptist Church, 3440 W. 13th St. N., Wichita, KS 67203

Memorials: Youth Horizons, 1601 E Douglas, Wichita, KS 67211 and McAdams Academy, 903 S. Glenn Ave., Wichita, KS 67213