She was a native and longtime resident of Vinton and was a member of Welsh Memorial United Methodist Church. Brenda retired from the American Press after 16 years of service. She was the former editor of the Vinton News and Iowa News and had also worked for the Southwest Daily News. She took pride in her writing. She was a member of the Vinton Fire Department and Ambulance Service. Brenda loved fishing and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Jerry Merchant; her children, Kevin Merchant and wife Michelle, James Merchant and wife Kathy, all of Vinton, and Leah Badeaux and husband Aaron of Sulphur; sister, Cheryl Martin of Vinton; five grandchildren, Amber Merchant Burnworth, Lindsey Merchant, Jessica Merchant, Jennifer Merchant and Evan Badeaux; and two great-grandchildren, Collin and Canon Burnworth.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Lottie Hosch; a sister, Karen Wilfer; her stepmother, Virgnia Hosch; and a niece, Tina Wilfer.
Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, May 30, in Welsh Memorial United Methodist Church in Vinton. The Revs. Kathy Fitzhugh and Rob Tibbitts will officiate. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Vinton. Pallbearers will be Kevin Merchant, James Merchant, Aaron Badeaux, Chris Burnworth, Steven Wright and Trent Wright. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Thursday from 4-9 p.m. and will resume in the church on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com
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