Merle Story Westerfield

Merle Westerfield, a long time McGregor resident, passed away early Sunday morning, March 28, 2010, at the age of 102. Funeral services were 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 31, 2010, at First United Methodist Church, 500 South Madison Street, McGregor with Rev. Lianne Turner officiating. Interment followed in Post Oak Cemetery near Oglesby, under the direction of Cole Funeral Home, 1113 west Fifth Street, McGregor. A visitation was held from 6 to 8 P.M. Tuesday at Cole Funeral Home.

Mrs. Westerfield was born June 26, 1907, in Florence, Texas, the daughter of the late Thomas Gray and Mary Jane (Rutledge) Story. She graduated from Clifton High School in Clifton, Texas and later attended Meridian College and earned a degree from McMurry College in Abilene, Texas. Being the daughter of a Methodist minister, growing up she lived in many towns. In 1930, she moved with her parents from Blooming Grove to McGregor when her father was assigned to First Methodist Church. He faithfully served the congregation for four years until 1934. When the family moved into the parsonage, Merle became socially acquainted with a gentleman by the name of J.B. Westerfield. One would need to know that J.B. was a member of the moving team that assisted them in moving into the parsonage. That acquaintance a few years later, lead to their marriage on September 6, 1933, at First Methodist Church of McGregor. After forty-seven years of marriage he preceded her in death March 9, 1980. Merle and J.B. owned and operated Westerfield Grocery Store in McGregor from 1960 until they sold the store in 1975.

Since joining the First Methodist Church of McGregor in 1930, Merle was a very faithful and active member as long as her health permitted and has remained the church’s oldest surviving member. Merle had a great knowledge of the Bible. She used that knowledge in teaching the Try Class of which she was a member. Later that class merged with the Friendship Class and she continued teaching on a rotation basis. She was also an active and participating member of the United Methodist Women. Her favorite hobbies were crocheting and knitting.

Also preceding her in death were a brother, Garland Story and a sister Maxine Story Jones.

Survivors include several nieces and nephews; Joe and Marcy Paschall of McGregor, Lee and Betty Morgans of Acworth, Georgia, Jane Ane Larsen of Summerfield, Florida, Joe and Linda Gough of Waco, Greg and Jane Westerfield of Lampasas, Westy Westrfield of Killeen, Paul and Kathy Westerfield of Killeen; a sister-in-law, Irene Westerfield of Killeen.

Casketbearers were John Coke, Don Kruse, Kyle Paschall, Mike Poss, Bob Reese and Richard Skipper.

For those desiring, the family has suggested First United Methodist Church, 500 South Madison, McGregor, Texas 76657, Providence Hospice, 4830 Lakewood Drive suite 2, Waco, Texas 76710 or the charity of the donor’s own choosing for memorial contributions.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation to the staff of Westview Manor Nursing Home, Providence Hospice, the local medical professionals and the Meals on Wheels Program. Without your assistance, Merle could not have had the quality of life she received.