Bobbie Dawson Merrill's Obituary
Bobbie Harris Dawson Merrill passed away peacefully on Thursday August 18, 2011 at her residence after a short battle with cancer. She was born on March 15, 1942 in Sash, Texas to Loney Clyde Harris and Fannie Bell Cook. Bobbie grew up in Honey Grove and Longview, Texas; the only girl in a family of boys. She was a loving sister to those boys ? competitive, but loving. She graduated from Longview High School in 1960. She married Robert Dawson in 1961, later divorced. In 1987 she met her husband Leon Merrill through mutual acquaintances and thus began her life in Utah, Kansas, and then back home to Longview. She used her decorating and remodeling talents to finally create the home she truly loved. Children remember her talent for cooking and baking, and the wonderful foods she would lovingly prepare. Her finesse with wedding cakes, flower arrangements, and dresses made memorable events. She could turn nothing into something with her artistic talents and flair.
But the highlights of her life were her children and grandchildren. She and Leon would drop everything to travel to a baptism, ordination, or anything that involved their family. She loved her family; each child and grandchild was pampered and loved by "Granny".
Throughout her life she has blessed many with her talents, service and love. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a strong testimony of the Savior.
Survivors include her husband, K. Leon Merrill of Longview, TX; children: Shane Jamie Dawson, Mesa, AZ; Shamaine Steve Oram, Hallsville, TX; Blake Amanda Dawson, Phoenix, AZ; Ryan Kara Dawson, Sunset, UT; Becki Merrill, Idaho Falls, ID; Sandra Duane Ricks, Rexburg, ID; Janette Paul Whyte, Pingree, ID; Lynda Paul Heiner, Ashton, ID; Brian Barbara Merrill, Rexburg, ID. Bobbie has 36 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers: "Pete" Rosie Harris, Grand Prairie, TX; Teddy Gloria Harris, Longview, TX; Jerry Shirley Harris, Keller, TX; Jeanette Harris, Commerce, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Loney and Fannie Cook Harris, and brother Lonnie Harris.
Funeral services for Bobbie Harris Dawson Merrill, 69, of Longview will be at the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1700 Blueridge Pkwy, Longview at 10:00 AM on Monday August 22, 2011 with Bishop Chad Newman officiating. Interment will follow after the service at Reed Cemetery in Diana, Texas. The family will have a visitation Sunday August 21, 2011 from 6PM to 8PM at the Rader Funeral Home in Longview.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Texas Home Health Hospice, 500 East Loop 281, Longview, TX 75605 903-234-0943.
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