She loved being with her family Jimmie Maxine Merritt, the daughter of Jim and Zellar Elliott Engle, was born on Jan. 18, 1932, and passed away with her family by her side on Dec. 17, 2007, in her home in Ava, at the age of 75 years, 10 months and 29 days.
Maxine lived most of her life in Ava. She was a homemaker and had also worked at a Licorice Factory in Moline, Ill. On Aug. 18, 1949, Maxine and William “Bill” R. Merritt were united in marriage in Harrison, Ark.
Maxine was of the Baptist faith and was saved and baptized at an early age.
She enjoyed flower gardening, collecting swans and her pets. Most of all she loved being with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Ewell and Clifton Engle; two sisters, Lorene Sears and Oma Catherine Jefferson; and a granddaughter, Grace Merritt.
Maxine is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Merritt of the home in Ava; one son and wife, James and Pam Merritt, Diggins; three grandchildren, Jonathon, Matthew and Patrisha; one brother, Jerry Engle, Ava; a special niece, Rose Zella Myers, Ava; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, several brothers and sisters-in-law; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Service will be held at 10 a.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 20) in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, with the Rev. Larry Vinson officiating. Interment will follow in the Ava Cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday, from 6 to 7:00 p.m., in the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.
