Merle Wittner passed away on January 14, 2021 after a battle with COVID-19. Due to the current health concerns, the family will have a private interment at the Cottonwood Cemetery with Rev. Ron Durham officiating.

Dolores Merlene (Merle) Wittner was born on August 6, 1932, in Ranger, Texas. Born to Lula Mae and Carl Davis, she grew up in Freer, Texas, alongside her two brothers, Fred and Bill.  Merle graduated high school early and attended Baylor at the age of 16.  While attending, she met Edward Lee Wittner, and they married on March 3, 1951. 

Merle spent much of her life travelling around Texas with Ed, a music minister by profession. She was his duet partner, and ran a children’s music program, where she loved, nurtured, and guided children up to the age of six.  She wrote and lead many music programs and musicals for that most precious age group. 

“Marvelous Merle”, as many called her, was a center post for many in her life, whom she ministered to with an understanding heart, keen wisdom, and a sharp wit. Her love for Christ and doing the will of God was her strongest passion.  Her prayers were powerful and effective. Merle also lead women’s Bible Study, taught voice lessons, and nurtured her three children, Houston (Eddie), Robbie and Dan.  She was a seamstress, cook, and artist.  She accompanied Ed in sponsoring many high school choir tours around the United States and abroad. Many times she would travel with these groups and serve as the cook, medic and mother to any and all within the group. 

In her time she was a dutiful wife, a doting mother, a faithful Christian, and a fierce friend. She was loved by many and cherished by her family. Her life touched so many and left a powerful and bright impression on all who knew her. She is survived by her three children, Daniel Wittner, Houston Wittner, and Robbie Kitchen as well as two granddaughters, Ashley Seigel and Shae Kitchen.