Merle Wilson

MERLE WILSON began her final journey as she left this world February 5, 2013 with her daughter Toni at her side. Merle was born July 8, 1938 in Wasco, California to Carl and Grace Deatherage. Mamma was the fifth and last child. She always said granddad waited until he got the “Perfect One”, so when she was born there was never a need for more. Some of her siblings had a slightly different version. Granddad would only laugh when I asked if that was true. Merle loved all sports and earned awards in almost all high school sports. She continued to enjoy sports until her body started failing. Later in life she enjoyed watching her great-grandsons Austin and Tristin play. After high school momma joined the US Army and served two years before being honorably discharged. When granddaughter Tessa followed in her footsteps of service, the two of them could often be found laughing about Tessa “Out Ranking” her grandma. She married Don Wilson on March 17, 1965 in Pixley, California and was at his side as they served in the ministry for 43 years until he went home to be with Jesus on October 10, 2008. January of 1968, we moved to Gooding, ID where he was called to serve as a minister for the Church of Christ. They loved the Lord and remained faithful servants to Him and worked diligently for God until He called them both home. Merle’s accomplishments could more than fill the newspaper but her pride and joy were her four granddaughters and four great- grandchildren she was blessed with.

Merle was preceded in death by her husband, Don Wilson, parents, Carl and Grace Detherage, brothers Gaylend, Quay, and Carl Jr. and one infant grandson.

Surviving are: daughter, Toni Wilson Maya and her husband Alejandro of Buhl, Granddaughters, Misti Burkhalter of Castleford, April and Kirk Loomis of Buhl, Heather and Tommy Fleming of Filer, and Tessa and Brian Blackmon of Amarillo, TX, Great-grandchildren Austin, Tristin, and Justin Loomis of Buhl, and Addison Claire Blackmon of Amarillo, TX. Merle is also survived by her sister Doris Williams of Porterville, CA, and sister-in-law Janet Gray of Battle Mtn. NV along with several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Monday, February 11, 2013 at 11:00am at the Church of Christ in Twin Falls and is under the direction of Lance Cox and staff. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. A visitation will be held Sunday, February 10, 2013 from 6-8pm at White Mortuary “Chapel by the Park.” In lieu of flowers the family asks to donate to the American Diabetes Association.