Merryl Lee Turner

June 14, 1949 - February 11, 2025

Merryl Lee Turner, born in Waterloo, Iowa, to Milo and Norma (Olson) Rundall, passed away on February 11, 2025, in McAllen, Texas.

Merryl graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1968. In 1970, she married and had three children: Jennifer (Casey) Drenner of Ann Arbor, MI, Craig (Greta) Southall of Indianola, IA, and Matthew (Cami) Southall of Cedar Falls, IA. Merryl was a devoted mother and grandmother, cherishing her grandchildren Clayton, Caleb, Alexandra, Valerie, Taylor, Noah and Chase.

In 2000, Merryl reconnected with and married her high school sweetheart, Thomas P. Turner, who preceded her in death. She retired from North Star Services, where she spent many years as a Service Coordinator, a role she found deeply rewarding. Merryl found joy in gardening, biking, traveling, and spending time with her beloved dogs. She had a passion for decorating for every holiday and treasured the moments spent with her lifelong girlfriends. She enjoyed wintering in Texas with her partner, Daniel Kruse, and never missed an opportunity to visit Michigan and support her grandson's endeavors.

Merryl was preceded in death by her parents, Milo and Norma Rundall; her brother, Michael; and her husband, Tom. A celebration of her life will be planned in Cedar Falls at a later date. Her warmth, love, and dedication to her family and friends will be deeply missed. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier on Feb. 13, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Merryl Turner

Sponsored by McAllen Funeral Home.

17 Entries

Randy Bush

March 4, 2025

Always loved seeing Merryl She was a joy to be around !

Kim Ross

February 19, 2025

Merry was a wonderful coworker and taught me so much about persons with disabilities. She was so patient, kind, and funny.

Cindy Turner Moody

February 19, 2025

I will always remember Merryl for always allowing me to be that annoying little sister when her and Tommy were in highschool. I admired her so. I also admired her ability to decorate. She was such a kind soul. Rest in peace sister.

Patty Turner

February 15, 2025

Merryl was a woman who embraced fun. She will lovingly be remembered for her many talents, cooking, decorating, entertaining, and big projects!!!Her superpower was her fierce love and protection of her family. Job well done Merryl.You will forever be loved and missed.

Bev Landa

February 14, 2025

I have so many memories of Merryl, and they are rich with laughter, passion, daring, and flair, from partying in the Colosseum when we were 19 to lounging by her pool in our 70´s.
Merryl´s welcoming spirit was apparent as soon as you arrived at her house. She had a garden full of flowers and lawn art...lots of lawn art. It would put a smile on my face when I arrived for a visit, and I knew that I was welcomed and sure to have a good time.
On Thursdays we religiously met at the Lava Lounge. We shared both happy and sad news. And we collected those silly plastic cocktail monkeys. Little did we know that they would become more meaningful over time with the passing of family members and friends.
So R. I. P, my dear friend. I will miss you. You lived your life to the fullest.

Cindy Horslund Michael

February 14, 2025

My deepest sympathy to Merryl's family!! From her laughter and wit at our monthly Classy Ladies CFHS 1968 lunch group, to the years of working on our Class Reunion, it was never a dull moment! We will all miss her and think about her and keep her and you, her family, in our hearts and prayers!

Cedar Falls Class of 1968

February 14, 2025

Meryl was a great classmate since 7th grade. She was always apart of the Class reunion committee and always had great input and willing to work hard. She enjoyed reuniting with her classmates and was very much loved. The Class and Reunion committee will missher very much on behalf of The CF Class of 1968.

Kathy Taylor

February 13, 2025

So sad to hear this! I worked with Merryl at Northstar. It was such a fun job and she was one of the reasons. My sympathy to her family.

Dean Becker

February 13, 2025

Rest In Peace Merryl
Always a friendly face in the crowd for me to see.

Carol Jones Watson

February 13, 2025

Irrepressible, strong, fun, Merryl! Lots of joy over the years from parties in 7th grade at the house on Rownd to our Lava Lounge margaritas last summer, YOU were the party, Merryl! Thanks for the joyous times and hugs for the kids and grandkids. Carol Jones Watson

James A Wahner

February 13, 2025

So sorry to hear this . You have our deepest sympathys. She will be missed. I always ran into Merryl, at Sturgis Fall's Weekend. Rip Merryl!. Prayers for you and your family!! Here journey is over and now has gone HOME, to be with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!! In Jesus name, Amen!

Karen Homann

February 13, 2025

Merryl was a shining star who touched the lives of everyone she met. Her memory will live on in our hearts.

Thomas Rogers

February 13, 2025

My sincere sympathies to Meryl´s family and friends. She was a good childhood friend. She lived a good life and did much service. Her passing is a big loss.

Wes Turner

February 13, 2025

Merryl you always lit up a room with your smile. You will be missed. My condolences to the whole family during this difficult time.

Sue Bancroft Cook

February 13, 2025

I am so very sorry to hear of Merryl's passing. She and my sister, Kate Bancroft, we're very close friends in school so I got to see a lot of her and always loved being around her. My condolences to the family. RIP Merryl.

Freda (Boyd) Erdmann

February 13, 2025

My heart goes out to Meryls family. I have so many memories of her it would be hard to pick one. She had a heart of gold and loved life. She cherished her friendship s with her girlfriends too. She will be missed for sure. Love you.

Jack Blake

February 13, 2025

Merryl was simply a wonderful, genuine friend to all who were lucky enough to grow up with her.
Jack Blake

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