Merle Lee Dunaway

Merle Lee Dunaway, born July 13, 1948, went to become a Heavenly Organist on June 24, 2019. Merle appreciated the opportunity of playing the organ and piano for many funeral and church services. She felt this was one of her heavenly blessings. Merle was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Adell Pearce Lee, her sister, Carol Lee and by her son Jim D. Dunaway.

Merle grew up in Taylor, AZ with her brother, Guy Lowell Lee (Laurie); sister, Carol Lee (deceased); sister, Anita Lee Mills (Jeff); and sister, Marsha Lee Washburn (Cauy). They were blessed with a lot of amazing Pearce, Hatch and Lee cousins and wonderful aunts and uncles.

Merle graduated from Snowflake High in 1966. She met Jim A. Dunaway during her senior year, after he was discharged from his 4 years of service in the Air Force. Merle enrolled in Rose-Mar Beauty School in July 1966, graduated in May 1967 and married Jim on June 30^th 1967. They made their home in Taylor and Jim worked at the Paper Mill for 40 years. Merle worked in the beauty business some during their married life. Merle also got her Real Estate license and enjoyed working with her Real Estate Broker-sister, Anita Mills.

Merle felt that her most precious blessing in life was being a mother to five beautiful, handsome, talented children. They were the light of her life! Son, Jim D. Dunaway is deceased. Surviving children, in-laws and grandchildren are: Jack R. Dunaway (DeDe) and children, Colton, Shylow & Shawntell (Darrin Forsyth); Jeff M. Dunaway (Lisa) and children Emilie, Logan, Bryson, Devin, Leah, Nixon & Seth; Jill Parry (DeWitt) and children, Nathan (Stephanie) and Sativalana, and K.J. Parry; Justin C. Dunaway and children Roxie Overly, Luxie & Trex; & great-granddaughters, Tesslei Ryan Sarazin, Rylie & Hailee Forsyth.

Merle enjoyed serving on the Taylor Town Council and was proud to be from Taylor and the heritage of her founding Pearce and Standiford forefathers! Jim & Merle had the opportunity of traveling to many beautiful countries and enjoying several cruises. The world has many beautiful places to visit, but there’s no place like the good ol’ USA. Merle was grateful for her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for the opportunity of serving in all of the Women’s auxiliaries. She loved serving for 10 years in the Snowflake Temple, until she contracted ALS. Merle was grateful for the opportunity of attending many beautiful temples in several states and took comfort in the love and peace present in the House of the Lord.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, July 5, 2019 @ 10:00 a.m. at the Centennial Chapel, 880 N. Centennial Blvd, Taylor, AZ, with a visitation one hour prior.  Interment will follow at the Reed Hatch Memorial Cemetery.