Merlyn Lucinda Hale, age 73, of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away, Friday, March 31, 2023, at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital. Merlyn was born September 13, 1949, in Clarinda, Iowa, the daughter of Marvin and Agnes (Rhamy) Graham. She was raised in the Clarinda area and after high school was a waitress and later worked as a CNA in area nursing homes. She was united in marriage to Robert W. Hale on August 18, 1971 in Clarinda, Iowa. Merlyn moved to Red Oak in 1990. She had many hobbies including camping, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, Bingo, and watching the Food Network, because she was an excellent cook

Preceding her in death were her parents and seven siblings: David Allen Graham, Marvin Graham, Jerry Graham, Terry Graham, Dale Graham and his wife Cherie, Floyd Graham, and Vickie Cozad; sisters-in-law: Pat Anderson and Beverly Rosa; and niece: Shannon Robinson. Survivors include her children: Kimberly Jones of Red Oak; Tammy Graham and Travis Grammer of Emerson, IA; and Trevor Hale and special friend Chenoa Castillo of Red Oak; daughter-in-law: Dawn Hale of Red Oak; grandchildren: Patricia Jean Jackson of Sedalia, MO; Tara Tuttle Jackson of Quincy, IL; Jeremy Dolph and significant other Brittany Gray of Clarinda, IA; Jessica Johnson and husband Brandon of Council Bluffs, IA; Heather Patterson and husband Donnie of Red Oak; Austin Hale of Red Oak; Maelynn Turek of Red Oak; Caitlyn Hale of Red Oak; and Vincent James Turek of Red Oak; many great grandchildren including Ayron McCallister; Maci Graham; Lily Patterson; Paxtyn Dolph; Bowen Dolph; and Willow Dirks; sisters: Rebecca Whited of Red Oak and Evalena Gregory and husband Stan of Ft. Madison, IA; and many other relatives and friends, many whom knew her as "Nana".

A celebration of life service will be held 1:30 PM Sunday, April 16, 2023, at the Red Oak Eagles Lodge with lunch and fellowship to follow.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.