Jo Merle (Harris) Hansen

Funeral arrangements will be handled by Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home. Officiated by Pastor Dale Snyder of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, September 21, 2018 in the Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday evening at the funeral home. Serving as pallbearers will be Heath Hansen, Hayden Hansen, Randy Garza, John Roberts, Jeff Harris, Heather Garza and Amanda Hansen. In lieu of flowers the family asked that you consider donations to Hospice of Wichita Falls or the Wichita East VFD, P.O. Box 4374, Wichita Falls, TX 76308, where her grandson serves.

She was born May 4, 1930 in Harlingen, Texas, to J. O. and Jozac Harris. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Alvin P, Hansen and Sister Carolyn Bonalli. Jo Merle is survived by her children: David Hansen (son) and wife Anita of Eustace, TX, Linda Roberts (daughter) and husband Mark of Pagosa Springs, CO, Wayne Hansen (son) and wife Teri of Wichita Falls, TX. Grandchildren include: John Roberts, Heath Hansen, Hayden Hansen and wife Amanda, Heather Hansen Garza and husband Randy. Great Grandchildren include: Saylor, Sophie and Sutton Garza and Londyn and Brooklyn Hansen. Siblings include: Sherwynn Callaway (sister) of Sugarland, TX, Jim Harris (brother) of Kerrville, TX. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and her special friend Ray Hyde of Wichita Falls, TX.

She was salutatorian of her high school class and attended Abilene Christian College. Sherwynn, her older sister, set up a blind date with Alvin, and he said he saw the most beautiful, tall, girl he had ever seen. She married the love of her life Al Hansen and they were married for 54 years.

She was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where she gave many hours of her time. She was active for many years in Petroleum Engineer Wives.

Shortly after having their first child, Al took a job out of the Country. Al, Jo Merle and son David moved to Samatra, Indonesia. Linda and Wayne were born there. Jo Merle devoted most of her time to raising her children.

Jo Merle and Al enjoyed their retirement traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Jo Merle loved being Gramma Jo. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone she spoke to. In her later years Jo Merle was blessed to have the company of her special friend Ray Hyde, who always brightened her day.

Jo Merle and her entire family would like to recognize and thank Hospice of Wichita Falls and the entire staff of The Gables, who not only cared for her, but spent hours listening to her life stories and bragging on her family.

Online condolences can be made at www.hamptonvaughancrestview.com