Lois Pauline Merrill's Obituary
At the grand old age of 93, Lois Pauline Merrill slipped away peacefully into Eternity on July 13, 2022. Lois, born December 8, 1928, was the daughter of Harry and Luella Blanche (Pearson) Ogreen. She was raised on a Blanchard farm, gleaning all the skills necessary during her childhood to build a joy-filled life of homemaking.
After graduating from the Blanchard Rural Agricultural School in 1947, she married her sweetheart, Richard Merrill, that winter on November 23, beginning their long life together. Lois happily made her house a home for her husband, their family growing to include four children. With her eye for beauty and deft skills, Lois clothed the children with handmade beautiful garments and her frugal ways kept abundant food on the table. She took seriously her role in caring for the home, making sure every dollar was spent in the most prudent way possible, always accounting for her skilled hands and what they could create.
Lois kept herself busy whether it was creating a work of art from quilting to knitting, livening up a home with a freshly upholstered piece of furniture, or in the kitchen baking a particularly special cake for weddings and happy events. Lois was diligent about passing down these skills, her daughters at her side soaking in the example and careful instruction. After retirement, when She and Dick wintered in Florida each year, Lois took painting lessons, leaving a legacy of 100+ works that now brighten the homes of family and friends.
During those 33 years of Florida winter sun, Lois was an active member of the ladies club at Oakside Trailer Park. Even though retirement for Lois was more of a shift in activities rather than leaving an outside job, she surely made a lifetime contribution to the household budget with her talents.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Blanche; Loving husband, Dick; Beloved daughter Brenda Paulsen; Sons-in-law Duane Paulsen, Richard Hicks; Brothers James Ogreen, Phillip Wayne (Anita and Mary) Ogreen; sister Barbara (George) Townsend; Brothers-in-law Andrew (Mary Jane and Rena) Merrill, Bruce (Nancy) Merrill; Sister-in-law Dorothy (Eljay) Everts; And many special aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.
Left to carry on her incredible legacy are Lois’ son, Richard (Lorene) Merrill Jr.; Daughters Patricia Hicks, Jacalyn (Jeff) Fredricks; Daughter-in-law Nancy Paulsen; Grandsons and Great-Grandchildren Jeff (Lori) Merrill, Quinton, Marcus, Sara, Billy, and Cary; Scot (Jeanna) Paulsen, Brody, Janelle, and Breyden; Chad (DeAnn) Paulsen, Breese, Brinley, and Baylee; Richard (Lyssia) Merrill III, Richard IV, Olivia, and Lillian; Ronnie (Saresa) Merrill, Lane, Reece, Abbigale, and Allison; Travis Hicks, Joshua, and TJ; Tyler (Shelby) Fredricks and Teagan; Granddaughter Sarah Fredricks (Preston Taylor).
A funeral service will be held in her honor Sunday, July 17th, at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Remus, at 3:00 pm, with visitation from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Patti Hicks will be officiating her mother’s service, with a luncheon to follow at the Blanchard American Legion.
Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the family in lieu of flowers.
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