Martha Ann Page Merrell

Martha Ann (Page) Gaines Merrell, 76, of Abilene, peacefully went to be with Our Savior, Thursday, January 9, 2014, at Windcrest Care Center. A visitation with the family will be 3-5pm, Sunday, January 12, 2014, at Piersall-Benton Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut. Funeral services will be held at 11am Monday, January 13th at Southern Hills Church of Christ.

Martha was born in Barbers Hill, Texas on April 9, 1937, to Aaron Page and Roma Annie Chapman Page. She was raised in Baytown and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. She received a Bachelor's degree from ACU, and Master's degree from Sam Houston State University; she did additional graduate study at Texas A&M University. In 1963, Martha moved to Abilene to begin a career teaching at Abilene Christian College. She taught physical education, health education, and reading and study skills. In August 1971, Martha married David Merrell; they lived and raised their family in Abilene. Martha was an active member of Southern Hills Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Richard Gaines; and two brothers, Terry Page and Conrad Page. Martha is survived by her husband, David Merrell; son Flynt Gaines and wife Jana of Sunnyvale, Texas; three daughters: Dezarae Gaines of Englewood, Colorado, Jocelyn Furr and husband Bryan of Abilene, and Phylliese Sawyer and husband Tom of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; a brother, Hoyt Page of Baytown, Texas; nine grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren as well as many extended family members and close friends.

The family wishes to express thanks to Dr. Tim Martin, Dr. Sandy Hazelip, the staff at Windcrest Care Center, and Hospice of the Big Country. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Abilene Christian University International Scholarship Fund, Southern Hills Church of Christ Missions Fund, or the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.