Muriel Ruth "Merle" Willard

Muriel Ruth “Merle” Willard, 92, of Darien Center passed away peacefully at home on Friday May 5, 2017 under the care of hospice and her loving family. She was born in Attica on October 22, 1924 to the late Arthur and Delia (Seufert) Suess. Mrs. Willard is predeceased by her husband Donald E. Willard; brothers Richard, Robert, Irving, Norman and Arthur Suess; sisters Janet Riley and Marylou Edwards.

“Merle” was a homemaker all of her life, along with being secretary and bookkeeper for her husband’s farm supply business. She was also employed with the New York State Police and with an insurance agency for a number of years. Merle loved canning and crocheting and also was a seamstress for her whole family. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and during her later days, looked forward to doing the crossword puzzle from the Batavia Daily News every day. She is remembered by her warm smile, fun-loving spirit and great love of nature. She was an active member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, and former member of Attica Legion Auxiliary, Darien Fire Department Auxiliary and Farm Bureau.

She is survived by her children; Lana (Jerald) Schlagenhauf of Darien Center, Mary Edmonds of FL., Donald A. Willard of Attica, Dale (Paul) Haller of SC., Laurie Mairose of Darien Center; sisters Ardyth VanValkenburg, Lorraine Kirkpatrick and Natalie Slocum; 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Memorial Service will be held on Friday May 12, 2017 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 11 Washington St. Attica, NY 14011. She will be laid to rest in Darien Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Darien Rescue Squad PO Box 135 Darien Center, NY 14040 or St. Paul’s United Church of Christ at the address listed above. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.