Merna Loyce Rawls was born to Robert and Inez Rawls September 21, 1940.

At God's invitation Merna joined her parents and siblings Jo-Ann, Ida Lee and Howard on November 28, 2024. She was 84 years old.

Though she was born in San Saba, Texas she spent her formidable years in Pasadena, Texas. After graduating Pasadena Senior High School in 1959 Merna held several different jobs but she excelled at being a sales representative at Red Barn Molasses and Cargill, Inc. She enjoyed being able to travel Texas and Oklahoma, meeting new people and selling truck loads of molasses.

In 1978 however, Merna traveled a new road which led her to Exxon Baytown Refinery where she worked as a process technician and communications coordinator for the shift superintendents. She retired after 21 years of service.

Merna loved the outdoors. Whether at her small ranch or at her home she took pride in keeping the yard and pastures manicured. She loved to deer hunt and earned the nickname "dead eye" because it seemed she never missed either with her rifle or her compound bow. Merna also loved sitting on the front porch at her ranch watching the cows and their calves graze. That was her little piece of heaven on earth.

Merna is survived by her partner of 49 years, Melody Stewart. Merna had no children of her own but she is survived by numerous nieces and nephews who she truly loved.

There will be no public service at this time. There will be a family gathering on a future date for a celebration of life.