Dates
Barbara Elaine Merrill, 90, of San Angelo TX, passed peacefully on Sat, August 15, 2026 surrounded by family.
Barbara was born in Ada, OK on June 9,1936, to Oziah and Irene Ashabranner. Most of her youth was spent in Forney, TX, where she discovered her passion for riding horses and playing the piano.
After graduating from Moody HS, she attended UCC in Corpus Christi, TX, where she played clarinet and was a twirler with the band. She also met fellow clarinet player, Wayne, who would become the love of her life. They made a life together and raised five children in a home filled with love, chaos and a lot of laughter. She always put God and family first, making our home a safe and loving place where everyone was welcome at our table. When she wasn't raising kids, she was sewing, teaching piano or playing piano for church services. She worked as an administrative assistant with the school systems in both Fort Stockton and San Angelo, TX. After retiring, she devoted her energy and time into spoiling her grandkids, baking, playing bridge, painting, reading and volunteering with the Baptist Memorial Auxiliary, helping manage their gift shop.
Barbara will always be remembered for her nurturing spirit and beautiful smile, for never missing a birthday or opportunity to bake a favorite cake or pie, for her singing and playing the piano, for her incredible baking and sewing skills and for putting everyone's needs above her own.
Barbara is survived by her husband and best friend of 70 years, Wayne; their five children - Vickie (Tory), Rick (Evelyn), Jerry (Leisha), Melodi (Craig) and Diane (Stacy); their nine grandchildren - Jonathan (Michelle), Matthew, Ryan, Cody, Genevieve (Jerod), Ashley (Jordan), Renee (Michael), Brooke and Megan; and their two great-grandchildren - Nolan and Andres.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother (Kenneth) and sister (Dorothy).
The Merrill family would like to extend our sincerest thanks and gratitude to Sagecrest Care Center and Gentiva Hospice for their compassion and care.
Visitation will be Friday, August 21, from 5:30 - 7:30, Harper Funeral Home, 2606 Southland Blvd, San Angelo TX. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 10:00 am, First Baptist Church, 37 E Harris Ave, San Angelo, TX. Graveside service to follow at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, 4989 FM Hwy 1223, San Angelo, TX. Floral tributes may be sent to Harper Funeral Home.
Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.