Beloved daughter, wife and mother, Merrelle was a native and lifelong resident of Baton Rouge. She died at home, surrounded by her family, on Monday, November 25, 2024 at age 95. Visitation will be held at Blackwater United Methodist Church, 10000 Blackwater Road, on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 10:00 am until religious services at 11:30 am, conducted by the Reverend Kennon Pickett. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Merrelle was a 1946 graduate of Istrouma High School and valedictorian of her class. Following graduation from LSU she returned to Istrouma and taught business education classes in the early 1950’s. Serving in leadership positions in the church and always involved in the lives of her children, our mother’s enduring legacy is one of accomplishment, unconditional love and service to others. Merrelle is survived by her three daughters, Laurelle McGehee Cliburn, Kellye McGehee Couvillion and husband Jeff, and Melane McGehee Landry; her son, Webb McGehee and wife Judy; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ollie Ryan and Laura Jane Coleman Grice; husband of 62 years, Eugene Webb McGehee; and grandson, Daniel Ryan Couvillion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blackwater United Methodist Church. An online guest registry is available at www.rabenhorst.com.
