Willa Lyn Merriam went to her mansion in the sky on December, 24, 2018. She was born in Ceres, CA on March 28, 1960 and lived her whole life on the family farm in Hickman, CA. She attended Hickman Grammar School and graduated from Hughson High School in 1978. After a few courses at the local junior college, Willa went on to work for different dry cleaners in the Modesto and Turlock areas. She then worked as a bus aide for Storer Transportation until her declining health no longer allowed her to do so.
Willa was enthusiastic about many things, but was especially an avid sports fan. She loved all sorts of sports and loyally rooted for her favorite teams.
She was very involved in Calvary Baptist Church in Modesto and loved working with children. She was a Sunday school teacher for many years and worked with Awanas, sang in the choir, and participated in women’s Bible study until recently, when her health prevented her from doing what she loved most.
Willa adored her friends and family and will be remembered for her thoughtful cards that she would send for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. She made every occasion special and made sure that no one felt forgotten. Willa loved her family dearly, especially her nieces and great nieces.
She is survived by her parents, Bill and Doris Merriam, sisters Ann (Scott) Snow and Anita (John) Snow, nieces Rebecca Snow, Rachel (Ryan) Reece, Haley (Rick) Broedlow, and Emily Snow, and great nieces Evelyn and Violet Reece. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Evelyn Herndon Merriam.
A visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home, 900 Sante Fe Ave, Hughson in the Heritage Chapel on Thursday, January 3rd from 4pm - 8pm. Services will be held on Friday, January 4th at 11am at Calvary Baptist Church, 1732 Miller Ave, Modesto with a committal service to follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.
Memorial donations in memory of Willa may be sent to Calvary Baptist Church in Modesto or your favorite charity.
