Merle B. Holladay

Mrs. Holladay died Thursday, April 24, 2003, at Eudora Nursing Center.

She was born July 2, 1905, in Prairie Center, the daughter of John Lee and Alice Loraine (Gordon) Blaylock. She graduated from De Soto High School, where she played basketball, and Baker University, where she played softball.

Mrs. Holladay began teaching in 1926 at Chester School in Jefferson County. She taught until 1933, when she took 12 years off to raise her children. She began teaching again, mostly in country schools, and retired in 1971. She was a member of Hesper Friends Church and was voted member emeritus of the Lawrence Women’s Bowling Assn. in 1993.

She married James M. Holladay on Dec. 28, 1931. He died Jan. 18, 1991.

Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Rohde, Geneva, Ill.; two sons, Jimmie Holladay, Casper, Wyo., and Gary Holladay, Lawrence; a sister, Mae Kafer, Coos Bay, Ore.; nine grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, where family will receive them from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

The family suggests memorials to the church, sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.