Merri Wilson

SUN CITY WEST - Merri Wilson passed away in Goodyear on Dec. 12, 2016, having been unable to recover from injuries sustained from a fall in October. She was born Sep. 6, 1933, in Alliance, Ohio, to Donald and Bertha (Willis) Wilson and attended school in Glenmore and East Liverpool (Ohio). She married Bob Wilson on Jun. 14, 1952, in the Presbyterian Church of Glenmore, Ohio. They made their home in Wellsville with their three children until 1962, when Bob and Merri moved the family to Glendale, Calif. Merri earned her pin as a licensed practical nurse. She worked nights at care centers and then for the Glendale School system where she assisted students who had physical disabilities. Merri began teaching a children's Sunday School class in 1966 and shortly thereafter became the children's department director for her church – a position she filled for 22 years. She served as board member, choir member, and committee worker whenever needed. Upon moving to Sun City West in 1989, Merri and Bob joined the Baptist Church where they continued to worship. Merri enjoyed various craft projects including making quilts and counted cross stitch creations. She played on Bocce Club teams, volunteered with the "Prides," and for a food bank. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her sisters and with her many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband (62 years), Bob; her parents; a sister, Helen Richardson; and three brothers, William Wilson, Jack Wilson, and Michael Wilson. She is survived by her twin sister, Marlene Shaw (Sun City West); and brothers, Bob and Jim Wilson (both of California). Also surviving are son, Craig (Lisa) Wilson; and daughters, Becky (Ken) Jincks and Robin (Bob) Clark; grandchildren, James and Jason Rueck, Jennifer Guzman, Bonnie Forssell, Robert Clark, Amy Shasteen, Seth Krause; and 14 great-grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27, 2016, at the First Baptist Church of Sun City West, 17419 N. Conquistador Drive. The family requests no flowers. Condolences for the family may be left at www.menkefuneralhome.com.