Merl Elaine (Franklin) Nash

Merl Elaine Nash, 89, of Wappapello, Mo., formerly of Haines City, Fla., passed away, Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Nash was born Feb. 14, 1926 in Perryville, Mo., to the late Clyde and Carrie Preston Franklin. She received a Doctorate in Education from Stetson University, in DeLand, Fla.; and had retired as a teacher and vice principal in Haines City, Fla. Mrs. Nash was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Wappapello; and was a member of the Eastern Star in Puxico. Her passion was her church, her family and reading.

In 1943, she married Richard Ancle Nash in St. Louis, Mo. He preceded her in death in 1999.

Survivors include her son, Richard Nash (Donna), of Eastland, Tex.; a grandson, Richard Mitchell Nash (DeeAnne), of Tucson, Ariz.; two great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Wanda Kimberly and Joyce Fincher, both of St. Louis.

Two sisters, Eileen Schillinger and Erma Brown also preceded Mrs. Nash in death.

Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Wappapello. An Eastern Star Service will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel with the funeral service following. The Rev. Bruce Pittman will officiate. Burial will be at Schumach Cemetery near Clarkton, Mo.