Evalyn Elizabeth Helen Merrill born October 27, 1916, passed
away May 23, 2004.
Evalyn Elizabeth Helen Merrill born October 27, 1916, passed away May 23, 2004.
She was born in Rice Lake, Wisconsin and served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942 until 1945 in WW II.
Mrs. Merrill was a teacher for 25 years, the last 15 years at Elliot Pre-School in Gilroy and above all a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Lynn said many times that her purpose here on earth was to contribute to the well-being of others, which she did in many different ways. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Edward Merrill, her sister La Vera Mayers and her brother Raymond Gillson. She is survived by her children Kim I. Merrill of Salinas, Tom O. Merrill of Vila Velha, E.S., Brazil, Pamela A. Bunthoff of Dos Palos, Tamara A. Merrill of Aptos; grandchildren, Christopher Merrill, Kimberly Merrill, Rebecca Merrill, Tatianna Bunthoff, Anastasia Bunthoff; great-grandchildren, Haylee Merrill, Carter Sepulveda, Jaden Bunthoff; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 4, at Habing Family Funeral Home in Gilroy with interment 11:00 a.m., Saturday, at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park, Gilroy. The family would appreciate memorial donations to Live Oak Adult Day Services, 651 W. Sixth St., Gilroy, CA 95020; St. Judes Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-1942 or Shriners Hospitals Endwoment Fund 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817.
Maurin Warren Pope
Maurine Warren Pope, longtime Hollister resident, died peacefully on May 30, 2004 at the Veterans Hospital in Livermore, Calif.
Maurene enlisted in the Women’s Army Airforce in World War II and served in China, India, Burma theater during the war. She was especially proud of being an early woman member of the armed services and remained associated with the China Burma India Veterans’ Association (CBIVA) throughout the remainder of her life. She enjoyed her license plate which read CBIVA. She is a former Commander of Hollister VFW POST #9242 and a member of the Hollister American Legion Post.
She was a graduate of Eastern Oklahoma A&M and Fresno State College. She taught elementary school in the Hollister school system until her retirement and was active in the Retired Teacher’s Association.
Besides her family, her wartime service and teaching were her fondest accomplishments. Another love of her life was her constant companion, Tiffany, an independently spirited Apricot Poodle. She and her family are especially thankful for the love and support of her good friends and neighbors and in particular Jessie and Art Solle, who are appreciated for their caring love.
She is survived by her daughter, Sandee Waller Larkin of Monterey; her grandsons Marshall D. Larkin and his wife Michelle, and Trevor D. Larkin, all of Monterey; her two great granddaughters Christen Larkin and Ashley Magallanes; her brother Billy Warren and his family of Hartshorne, Okla.; and her cousin Irene Taylor of San Diego.
A memorial gathering celebrating her life will be held Thursday June 3, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. at the Veterans Park in Hollister. Contributions in Maurine’s memory may be made to the Hollister VFW Post #9242.
