She was born in Catawba County on August 9, 1922 to the late E. F. and Mildred Gordon Smith.
Merle was a US Army Veteran, having served during WWII.
Immediately following her honorable discharge from the Army, she went to work for the veteran’s hospital as a nurse. She retired after 37 years of service. She enjoyed being outside doing yard work and tending her garden. She had a special enjoyment doing crossword puzzles. Her favorite pastime activity was spending time with the youth group of First United Methodist Church in Newton. They always put a smile on her face.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a brother, Joseph D. Smith.
She is survived by her sisters, Frankie Cooke, Katie Fleming, and Ruth DiMartile; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 16, 2018 in the chapel of Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home in Newton, with Rev. Dan Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Eastview Cemetery in Newton.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. at Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home.
