Ola Lucille (Williford) Merrill

Ola Lucille (Williford) Merrill, daughter of Oliver C. Williford and Anna (Burton) Williford on April 21, 1927 in Wapanucka, Oklahoma. Ola and her family moved to Arkansas shortly after her birth. She attended elementary schools in Conway, Cabot and Enola. After Ola’s Mother Anna died, Ola, her Father, and her three siblings moved to Waynesville, Missouri when she was twelve years old. Ola attended Waynesville Schools were she later met her husband to be. Ola Williford was united in marriage to Bert W. Merrill on April 25, 1942 in Tuscumbia, Missouri. They were blessed with six sons: Bert, Jr., Fred, Tommy, Kenneth, Jimmie and Ralph. Although times were difficult during those early years, Ola and Bert made a loving home for the boys along with many wonderful memories. Bert preceded Ola’s death in 1961. Ola was a long-time employee of the Waynesville R-VI School District. She served as a cook for both Fort Leonard Wood and East Elementary schools. Needless to say, having had six growing boys, she knew her way around a kitchen. Like most people would like to do, Ola did, she loved to eat her dessert first. Pecan pie was her favorite, but she made the best bread pudding ever! Ola was an active and devoted member of Westside Baptist Church of Waynesville. She served in many capacities including Sunday School Teacher, working in the nursery, singing in the choir or driving the “Church Ladies” to different activities and events throughout the area. Her favorite was “Gospel Singing” events. Ola loved to sing. She not only sang for residents of area nursing homes, she introduced an entire program for them called the “Minnie Band”. She had a Minnie Pearl costume including the hat with price tag. She sang, played harmonic guitar and “worsh board”. It was hard to tell who enjoyed the programs the most, the residents or Ola!! As a health allowed she would sing “Amazing Grace” to the residents and staff at Life Care of Waynesville. Ola went to be with her Lord Thursday evening, November 18, 2010, at Life Care Center of Waynesville. She attained the age of 83 years, 6 months and 28 days. All those whom lives were touched by Ola will greatly miss her warm smile and generous heart. Ola is survived by five sons: Bert Merrill, Jr. (Peggy) of Wetumpka, Alabama, Fred Merrill (Glenda) of Belle, Ken Merrill (Sandy), Jimmie and Ralph Merrill all of Waynesville; five grandchildren: Latisha (Kent) Moon, Tajah Merrill, Stacie (Clay) Cummings, Tysha Merrill and Kenton Merrill; three great grandchildren: Maris Moon, Elle Moon and Cate Cummings; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Tommy; her grandson, Shannon “Heath” Merrill; and sister, Ruby Willis. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 22, 2010 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory with Pastor Lindell Shelden officiating. Pianist Becky Lercher accompanied Soloist Mike Freeman as he sang “One Day At A Time” and “Amazing Grace”. Serving as escorts were Bert Merrill, Jr., Fred Merrill, Ken Merrill, Jimmie Merrill, Ralph Merrill and Kenton Merrill. Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ola Merrill and may be left at the funeral home.

Ola Lucille (Williford) Merrill

April 21, 1927 - November 18, 2010