Merla Williams, age 88, formerly of Wayland and Wyoming, died Wednesday, Feb. 14.

Merla lived in the Saw Mill Estates community in Wayland for 10 years; she had a strong faith, a good sense of humor, and she enjoyed Christian and Western music.  She had many wonderful years with her husband Leon with whom she celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Audio books were a blessing she enjoyed having gone blind at the age of 64. Merla’s strong faith helped her overcome the challenges of losing her 18-year-old son, David and the death of her husband Leon in 2011. Many special memories were made at the family cabin in Baldwin; fishing, boating, having picnics with friends and family.

She is survived by her daughter Mary (Ed) Bishop and their son Troy; step-son Malcom (Patty) Williams and daughter Jackie; nieces and nephews, Yvonne Wolf, Robin (Don) Hilton, Nancy (Lauren) Healey, Sandra (Chis) Hetlage, Mike Siemion, and many extended family and friends.

Merla was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Laura Healey; husband, Leon Williams; son, David Williams; and siblings, Robert (Isabel) Healy and Mary (Frank) Siemion.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Services – Wayland, 312 North Main St. The family will receive relatives and friends one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.