Janice Annette Merryfield-Tolle, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, June. 4th, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family.
Jan was born on May 6, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Sylvia Thompson Merryfield and Vernon Merryfield. She was a Certified Dietary Manager for many years, finally retiring from Park Plaza Nursing Center in 2006. Jan is survived by her husband of 29 years, Charlie, her sons, Vernon Phelps and wife Theresa, Travis Duffley and wife Tina; daughter, Bambi Schoenfield and husband Jay; and her brother Don Merryfield. Jan also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren. A member of the family who cannot be forgotten is Bear, her loving dog and companion of 9 years who has been a great source of love and support through those years. She is preceded in death by her parents; daughters, Cynthia Hawkins and Lisa Geary; brother, Robert Merryfield; and sisters, Donna Mouridian, Miriam Stalewski, and Karen Leaders. Jan was an inspiration not only to her family, but to all who knew her. We called her our true warrior. She guided her family with great compassion, wisdom, strength, and grace. An example of her strength was shown when, at over 40 years old, she had the courage to not only complete her high school diploma, but to attend college and become a certified dietary manager. She did this while both working full-time and caring for her family, many nights studying late into the night. Jan took great pride in her performance running her kitchens, both putting out great food and receiving glowing reports during her state-mandated kitchen audits. When she retired, it was her online card games on POGO that would bring her some of her greatest enjoyment, both from playing cards (especially Canasta) and also conversing with her friends from around the world. Even though she never met them in person, these friends were a daily blessing for her. Jan was a member of College Hills Baptist Church, enjoying sharing God’s word and conversation with her Love and Joy friends; Jean, Nelson, Molly, Pat, Margaret and Bobby, along with many more friends and church family. These friends helped give purpose in her retirement, especially after suffering the loss of her two daughters. Her Sunday school class has literally been a God-send and words cannot express the gratitude that her family has for the support that her church family has given her, not only during her illness but also during the many years preceding. Special thanks to Dr. Prieto (Dr. P as she called him) and his staff Brook and Missy, Dr. Studt and Dr. Marti for the loving and compassionate care that they provided during her illness. Friends and family can pay their respects at a Celebration of Life Ceremony, officiated by Lakan Mariano and Nelson Word, on Thursday, June 7th at 4 p.m. at College Hills Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 2102 Johnson Avenue, San Angelo. Services under the direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home.
