Private family services for Alice Lorene Merrill, 80, Eudora, will be held at a later date.
Alice passed away Sunday, July 7, 2013, at her home in Eudora, surrounded by family.
She was born Aug. 3, 1932, in Wetumka, Okla., the daughter of Roy and Alice Harwell. She graduated from high school, and later attended college in Napa, Calif. to obtain her welding degree.
Alice worked as a welder for Kaiser Aluminum in Napa for several years. She later worked as a pizza cook at Casey’s in Eudora for seven years. She enjoyed games, crafts, political activism, cooking, dancing, and spending time with family.
Survivors include four children, Thomas W. Merrill and wife Sharon, Greenwell Springs, La., Katherine M. Altazan and husband Elmo, Hattiesburg, Miss., Tracy L. Merrill, Harker Heights, Tex., and Tina Hopson and husband Scott, Eudora; a brother, Lloyd Harwell and wife Glenna, Holdenville, Okla.; two sisters, Linda Curtis and Lela Bradley, both of Okla; 12 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Leroy Harwell, and a sister, Lucille Dyer.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 8630, Topeka, KS, 66608.
There are no words I can say to help ease your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Tina and family,
I am holding your family up in prayers for peace, comfort, and rest. I know how much you loved your mom and she loved you. She has left a great legacy of family to carry on her zest for life! May God continue to give you everything you need to move through this time of grief and saying good-bye to a very special mama!!
Kate, I’m so sorry to hear. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Please know your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Thinking of you as you transition into life without this very special person in your lives here on earth. Please keep in mind there will be a grand reunion one day!
Dale and Vicky Hofer
Kate,
In your deepest time of sorrow God’s grace will sustain you and your family. Lean on him for peace and tranquility. You and your family are in my prayers.
Kate,
May God comfort you and your family during your time of sorrow.
Kate,
May God grant you and your family Peace that surpasses all understanding during this time. You will be in our Prayers.
Kate,
May God’s peace abide with you and your family during your time of bereavement. My thoughts and prayers are with you daily.
I know the pain you are all feeling now and I pray you will all feel God’s arm around you, and feel the peace only He can give. I’m proud of all you kids. You honored your Mother. Just remember this”To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Trust this and take peace from it. I love you all and I’m here to listen if you need to talk.
Kathy,Wayne,Tina,and Tracy and families, I am sorry for your loss.I wish I had the words to say to make things better for you…but I don’t. We all loved her and she was the most spirited,kind, and loving Lady that I have ever met. She was agreat cook also.I know she fought hard the last few years and now she has rest.I will always treasure her and I will miss her more than I can say.Now she lives within you.I hope you will be comforted with the knowledge that she is no longer in pain,or suffering and I am sure she is watching over all of you.Her children was her heart and she loved you more than you can ever know!
Kate: May you and your family experience a special sense of God’s presence, power and peace during these challenging times. Claiming a favorite promise for you…‘Don’t be troubled, for I am with you. Don’t be distraught, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, yes I will uphold you with my righteous hand.’ [Isa. 10:41]
Much love, peace, and comfort to you all through our Lord and Savior, Jesus.