Merwyn Lee Ness

Merwyn Lee Ness (Sprowls) passed away on April 18, 2025 in Palm Bay, Florida. She was born on November 18, 1930 in Boswell, Pennsylvania. Merwyn is the daughter of the late Alice May Hartshorne and the late Lester Lloyd Sprowls.

She is predeceased by her loving husband Jay Palmer Ness, sisters Romayne Makyo and Lavonne Lawther.

Merwyn is survived by her daughters and their spouses Heidi and Charles Walsh and Kimberly and Randolph Browne, IV and her grandchildren Kaitlyn Walsh and Randy Browne, V. She is also survived by her niece Charlotte Lawther and her great grandchild Pedro Browne.

She worked at the Pentagon and as an administrative assistant to the president of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, both of which she thoroughly enjoyed. Her career also included administrative positions at various other companies.

Merwyn was a gentle, kind soul who would do anything to help anyone in need. She had a deep love for all kinds of animals and nature and was told at her high school graduation that if there was a judge for animal cruelty, she would be it! She also enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a member of Joy Lutheran Church in Palm Bay.

A memorial service will be held at a future date. She will be buried at Jennerstown Crossroads Cemetery in Jenners Township, Pennsylvania where her mother, father and sisters are buried.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Myakka Elephant Ranch, a nonprofit organization, in Sarasota, Florida as Merwyn had a deep passion for elephants. Donations assist with food, housing and the care of elephants at the ranch:
Myakka Elephant Ranch