Merry Ann Nehlen, wife of longtime WVU football head coach Don Nehlen, passed away yesterday in her home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 82 and surrounded by family.
Don’s 21-year tenure is greatly attributed to Merry Ann, who encouraged her husband to stay in Morgantown, where the couple raised two children, when other colleges came calling for his services. Don and Merry Ann married in 1958, the year after Don’s playing career ended. She was by his side throughout his entire coaching career
She is survived by her husband, Don, two children, Danny and Vicky, five grand children and four great-grandchildren.