Melody Layne Merrill, 71, of Crawfordsville passed away April 28, 2026, in Mission, Texas.
She was born Jan. 10, 1955, to Lewis K. and Dorothy M. (Stephan) Morley, and they both preceded her in death.
She retired from Banjo and also previously owned the Lost Frontier in Thorntown.
She enjoyed camping, bowling, softball and volleyball. She married Howard “Whitey” Merrill and he preceded her in death.
She is survived by fiancé Gary Han; son Daniel (Mary) Rusk; stepchildren, Missy Freels, Chris Harth, Joby Merrill, Andy Merrill and Erin Watson; siblings, Martin (Mary) Morley, Karen Morley and Stephania (Dennis) Griffin, along with four grandchildren and best friend, Cindy McCloud.
Preceding her in death are siblings, Dennis (Miriam) Morley and Linda (Gene) Austin.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 1 at Charlarose Campground in Hillsboro.
Hunt and Son Funeral Home is assisting the family.
