Deana Lois (Merling) Terrell

Deana Lois (Merling) Terrell, 78, passed away on February 23, 2016 at home comforted by family. Deana was born on November 6, 1937 in Fallon, the daughter of Chet and Margaret (Williams) Merling. She grew up in Fallon, graduating from Churchill County High School. Deana graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. In 1959 Deana was married to D. Stanley (Stan) Terrell at the United Methodist Church in Fallon. She was predeceased by Stan in 1988. They have two children, Mike and Beth. Deana dedicated her life to children and education. As a teenager she was a school bus driver and life guard. After graduation from UNR, Deana and Stan were married and Stan’s service in the Navy took them to California, Hawaii and Virginia. They returned to Fallon, where Deana taught kindergarten and led 4-H clubs. They farmed in Stillwater for a number of years before moving to Weiser, Idaho, where she continued mentoring children, leading girl scout troops, 4-H clubs, and Jobs Daughters. Opportunities eventually took them to Bellingham and San Francisco. She returned to Fallon after Stan’s passing and returned to teaching. She taught both kindergarten and third grade, retiring in1998. An avid reader, Deana enjoyed several book clubs and owned a bookstore, The Book Barn, for several years after retiring. She was also active in politics throughout her life, working on numerous campaigns in Idaho and Nevada. Deana was an active member of the American Association of University Women where she held multiple leadership positions including President of the Fallon Chapter. She was honored many times for her service, including as Board Member of the Year in 2012. In recent years, Deana was instrumental in ensuring that the Fallon Youth Club thrived, serving on its Board of Directors. She leaves a behind a son Mike Terrell and his wife Kara of Spokane, WA, grandsons Patrick (Amanda) and Phillip; daughter Beth Terrell of Seattle, WA; brother Ron and sister-in-law Sherry Merling and their daughter Wendy (Tom) Moore of Reno; ister-in-law Nancy McCray, brother-in-laws Kirk, Jim and John Terrell. She also leaves several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Chet and Margaret Merling. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Deana’s life on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at The Gardens in Fallon. Service starts at 2:00 pm with reception following. The Gardens is located at 2949 Austin Highway. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Fallon Youth Club are appreciated.