Jessie Inis Smith Merryfield, 105, passed away Oct. 23, 2009, at Community Springs Healthcare Facility in El Dorado Springs. Inis was born July 31, 1904, in Harwood, the daughter of John Smith and Eva Eddlemon Smith.
Her father was a section foreman for the Katy Railroad and they moved to Schell City while she was an infant. Inis grew up and graduated from school in Appleton City. Upon graduating from the old Appleton City Academy (predecessor to the high school) in 1922, she worked in the Appleton City Post Office before marrying Caryll Merryfield on June 5, 1924, and moving to a farm north of Rockville. Two children were born to the Merryfields; a son, Glen, of Butler and a daughter, Shirley, of El Dorado Springs.
Inis was a member of the Methodist Church of El Dorado Springs and a former member of Royal Neighbors.
Inis spent her entire life in Missouri except for approximately two years when she and her husband moved to Southern California for Caryll’s health. They returned to the family farm in 1958 and lived there until they retired in the early 70s when they moved to El Dorado Springs. They purchased a home on Spring Street, living in the old Park Hotel until the home was ready for occupancy. Inis later lived with her daughter, Shirley, and son-in-law, Boyce Simmons, prior to moving to Community Springs Healthcare Facility.
Inis was preceded in death by her husband, Caryll; her parents, John and Eva Smith; sisters – Eunice Heiman, Gladys Rich and Pauline Young, and Pauline’s twin, Paul, who died in infancy.
She is survived by her son, Glen, and wife, IlaAnn; grandson, David Merryfield, and wife, Mary Ann; granddaughters, Diana Rich and Robin Lesmeister, and husband Francis - all of Butler; and great-grandchildren – Jesse Merryfield, Jeffrey Merryfield, Lacy Glass, and husband, Ryan, Denver Lesmeister, Dakota Lesmeister and Cheyenne Lesmeister; her daughter, Shirley, and husband, Boyce – El Dorado Springs; grandchildren - Todd Lancaster – Lake Havasu City, AZ, Brett Lancaster – St. Louis, Keri Morrell – Magnolia, MS, and Darcy Roberts – El Dorado Springs.
Services were held Tuesday, Oct. 27, in Sheldon Chapel with Rev. Jim Smith and Rev. Patty Smith officiating. Music was Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art by Suzann Gladden – soloist and Rev. Patty Smith – pianist.
Casketbearers were – David Merryfield, Francis Lesmeister, Jesse Merryfield, Jeffrey Merryfield, Denver Lesmeister and Dakota Lesmeister. Honorary casketbearers were – Joe Hendricks, Jim German, Raymond Williams, Howard Prescott, Bill Neale and Frank Rogers. Interment was in the Appleton City Cemetery under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.
