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| | Please read our current obituaries below.
Lois Ann Ray | Service:
Saturday, February 7, 2009
11:00 AM
United Methodist Church
200 Church Street
Shenandoah, IA 51601
Special Services:
The family will greet friends following the service in the church basement.
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| | | Lois Ann Merkle was born into the loving family of Melvin and Laurel Merkle on February 14th, 1929, in Coin, Iowa. Ann was welcomed by an older sister, Phyllis, and was later joined by siblings Dick, Jane, and Bob. Growing up in rural Iowa, Ann attended North Star Country School through the 7th grade. She completed her high school education at Coin Consolidated High School, graduating with the class of 1946. After graduating from Platte Guard Business College in St. Joseph, Missouri, Ann returned to Shenandoah where she worked briefly at the Lakes Nurseries. Ann joined the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a telephone operator in 1952, and remained employed in the offices in Shenandoah until retiring 30 years later in 1982. That same year, on February 13th, Ann was united in marriage to Clarence (Bud) Ray, Jr. This union expanded Ann’s family to include 3 step-daughters – Debbie, Diana, and Darla – and their families.
After retirement Ann kept busy with The Merkle Family Circle, bringing gospel musical entertainment to many people in the area for many years. She also enjoyed fishing trips to Minnesota, music in Branson, baseball in St Louis, anything and everything that included her love of family. She also kept busy with working part time at Central Surveys and participating in the Lion’s Club, where she served as president of the local chapter, and the Eagles Auxillary and Southwest Iowa Pioneers. Ann attended the Methodist Church in Shenandoah for over 40 years, sharing her beautiful voice in the choir there.
Ann left this world on February 3, 2009 after a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her parents and her older sister, Phyllis.
Ann is survived by her husband, Bud, of Shenandoah; step daughters; Debbie (Ray) and Bill Hillman of Shenandoah; Diana (Ray) and Bob Kirk of Shenandoah; Darla (Ray) Mattes and friend Terry Mire of Hollister, Missouri. Grandchildren Sarah (Hillman) and Mikey Waite and Katie Hillman all of Shenandoah; Shelley Wiesen of Plano, Texas; Jeff Kirk, Todd Kirk, and Zachary Kirk all of Shenandoah, and Brandy Mattes of Hollister, Missouri; and 6 great grandchildren. She also leaves her sister, Jane Simms Mitchell of Urbandale, Iowa, brother Dick and Louise Merkle of Oakland, Iowa, brother Bob and Beverly Merkle of Altoona, Iowa, brother-in-law Carl Smith of Tabor, Iowa, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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