Merlaine Meyers

Merlaine June Gruver Bitsy Meyers, age 89, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2014. She was born February 14, 1925 as the only child of the late Merle and May June Gruver. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South, followed by the burial at Elmwood Memorial Park.

Bitsy spent her early years in Oklahoma before she moved to Abilene and graduated from Abilene High in 1942. She then attended Hockaday School in Dallas, the University of Texas and Hardin Simmons University where she rode one of the six white horses in front of the Cowboy Marching Band. Early in 1944 she met Lieutenant Frank W. Meyers Jr., from Lafayette, Louisiana. They were married December 6, 1944 in Abilene while Frank was stationed at Camp Barkley. They were married for 59 years.

In her teenage years Bitsy won numerous beauty awards, such as the Goddess of West Texas, Abilene High Queen of the Road Show, and the T.C.C.M. Sweetheart.

She was involved in many charity organizations, such as Abilene Junior League, Abilene Womans Club, Red Hat Ladies society, YWCA Board and Holy Family Catholic Church. Her favorite pastime was watching her kids play tennis all over the country. She and Frank were integral in the founding of the Abilene Tennis Association. Bitsy was the cornerstone of one of Texas most successful tennis families and was known as an exemplary tennis parent.

One of her most enjoyable activities was to spend time at the family mountain cabin near Creede, Colorado. She loved fishing the Rio Grande, hiking the mountains, and playing cards with her family.

Everyone remembers Bitsy as always having a big smile but also always seeing the positive side in every situation. All of her kids, grandkids and great grand kids will always strive to emulate and honor her legacy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Frank and her son, Mike.

She is survived by her son Frank Chip W. Meyers III, his wife Debbie and their son Frank CJ W. Meyers IV her daughter, Mary Merlaine Peede, her husband L.F. Butch, their daughter Marissa Buzan, her husband Garrett, and their children Avery Grace and Camden and daughter Danna Simons and her sons Hunter and Quinn and her granddaughter Ally Steinmetz.

She is also survived by her son Rick Meyers and his wife Vickie: her son Scott Meyers, his wife Amy and their children Max and Molly her son David Meyers, his wife Lisa and their children Annemarie and Audrey.

Pallbearers will be Chip Meyers, Rick Meyers, Scott Meyers, David Meyers, Max Meyers, CJ Meyers, Butch Peede, and Garrett Buzan.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to be sent to West Texas Rehabilitation Center at 4601 Hartford St. Abilene, Texas 79605, or Abilene Tennis Association at 1557 Creek Bend Ct. 79602, or Alzheimers Association at 301 Pioneer Dr. 79605.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family through the obituary link at www.elmwoodfuneral.com

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Saturday, September 27, 2014
9:00 10:30 AM

Service

Chapel Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Saturday, September 27, 2014
11:00 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606

Memorial Contributions

North Central Texas Chapter
Abilene, TX  79606


4601 Hartford
Abilene, TX  79605


1557 Creek Bend Ct.
Abilene, TX  79602