Minnie Zolgar Wells Merrill

Minnie Merrill, 84, Moses Lake resident for the past six years, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2005 at Sunbridge Care and Rehabilitation Center in Moses Lake. Minnie Lou Zolgar was born January 19, 1921 in Aeneas Valley, Okanogan County, the last of eight children to Frank Zolgar and Theresa (Kaufman) Zolgar. In 1914 they homesteaded in Aeneas Valley then moved to Loomis in 1926 and finally to Tonasket in 1929. Minnie graduated from Tonasket High School in 1939.

She went to business college in Seattle prior to moving to Spokane where she worked as a secretary. There she met Clifford L. Wells. They were married in September, 1944 and moved to Florida where they worked in the citrus industry. Minnie worked as a bookkeeper for many years for the Minute Maid/Coca Cola Company. Clifford preceded Minnie in death in 1986.

Minnie retired and married a former Tonasket classmate, Rollin Ray Merrill on February 29, 1992, at Twenty Nine Palms, Calif. They spent several years traveling across the United States, wintering in Florida. They returned to vacation and visit family and friends in North Central Washington several times. Bonaparte Lake above Tonasket was a favorite retreat.

Rollin (or "Ronnie") preceded Minnie in death in 1998. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Theresa Zolgar and Amy Temby and two brothers, George and Frank Zolgar.

Minnie is survived by her step-son Lyle Wells, Deer Park; step-daughters Annette Merrill Anderson, Nev. and Barbara Litch, Calif.; sisters Anne Rubert Doney, Moses Lake, Helen Smith Holmes, Omak, Mary Nichols Bird, Wenatchee; sister-in law Velma Merrill Morse, Manson, brothers-in-law Fred Merrill, Chewelah and Jerry Merrill, Wenatchee. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews who will miss their vibrant, game-playing "Aunt Min" very much. Her faithful Christian testimony will be missed by all.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2005 at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Steve Rice officiating. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake.