WILLENE ANNE MERRIMAN

Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt and Friend, Willene Anne Merriman, passed away on 21 July 2024 after a sudden decline in her health. She was 92.

Willene and her identical twin, Darlene, were born on 23 April 1932 in Steptoe, Washington to M.C. and Anna Odell. Steptoe is a small, rural town in southeastern Washington characterized by gentle rolling hills covered with wheat fields.

In 1952, while cruising the town, Willene and Darlene met a young, dashing man who was visiting his married sister for the summer. Tom Merriman, a city boy from San Diego, California, was instantly smitten by Willene. The romance continued long distance after the summer ended as Tom returned to San Diego to finish High School. After High School, Tom entered the United States Navy and was eventually stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. Tom and Willene were married on 22 April 1954 in Honolulu, one day before Willene’s birthday as she did not want to appear more than 1 year older than Tom on the marriage license.

When Tom discharged from the Navy, he and Willene settled in San Diego, where they resided for 49 years. Here they raised four children: Terri, Lori, Tom Jr., and Tim in a loving home filled with wonderful memories.

Willene was the heart of our home and family. Known for her sweet and social personality, she loved her friends, playing Bunco for 50 years and socializing with her TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) buddies for 35 years. She was a joyful presence, never venturing out without her trademark lipstick and makeup, beautiful hair, and carefully selected outfits. She was a huge fan of all San Diego sports – especially the Chargers (we don’t even talk about them moving to LA) and the Padres. She played many sports as a young girl, but especially loved basketball. After her children were grown and gone, Willene joined the San Diego Senior Basketball Association and played on a senior traveling league for several years.

In 2005, the Merrimans moved to Colorado Springs, CO to enjoy their retirement. They travelled to most of the 50 states in one of many motorhomes with best friends Joe and Lou Free, and international travel to Mexico and the Caribbean. After Tom passed in 2020, Willene moved to Jackson Creek Senior Living, where she made many friends, and embraced an active retirement lifestyle filled with many social events and activities. Her love for basketball continued throughout her life, shooting baskets up until one month before her passing.

Willene will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life not the sadness of her passing. She is survived by all of her children: Terri Kisselovich (Ken Kisselovich) of San Diego, CA; Lori Thomas (Mark Swarny) of Monument, CO; Tom Merriman, Jr. (Maritza Merriman) of Tucson, AZ; and Tim Merriman of Tucson, AZ; 8 Grandchildren; and 2 Great-Grandchildren.

Willene is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Tom Merriman, sister Darlene Forster, and brothers Calvin Odell and Wayne Odell. Her animal companions were dear to her. Pepper has stayed behind with Lori, but Punkin, Little Bit, Buddy, Lucy, and Charlie are on a long walk with her now.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Jackson Creek Senior Living (16601 Jackson Creek Parkway, Monument, CO) on Sunday, 1 September, at 1 pm followed by a performance by “Elvis”. Willene loved a party!

Willene and her family want to say a huge thank you to all who have helped us on this journey of a fulfilled life, with special thanks to Heather Wilson, Kellie Hyatt, and the staff at Jackson Creek Senior Living for all the love, care, and support provided to our beloved Mother.

In lieu of flowers, pay it forward — do a kind deed in Willene’s memory.