Ruth Maxine Merrell, 95, born to James Roscoe and Ora Mae (Moreland) Wheeler on July 20, 1927 in Haskell, Oklahoma, passed away August 18th, 2022 in Catoosa, Oklahoma.

Maxine married Orval James Merrell on January 4th, 1947. They were married for 44 years. They had 3 children together, Dale, Gary and Carol. They made wonderful memories for their kids. They would take them to Spring Creek to swim and being the wonderful cook that she was, she had great meals for everyone to enjoy. Nieces and nephews always liked coming to visit because it was lots of fun and there were always good treats to eat.

In 1964 the family moved to Tulsa, OK where she lived for 56 years. When anyone came to visit she always made sure they felt welcome. She was considered a second mom to all of her children's friends. She worked as a Teacher's Aide at Roosevelt Elementary School. The children enjoyed her as much as she enjoyed them. A few things that she was known for was being able to do a cartwheel in her late 50's, loving to play all sorts of games, especially dominoes. She was so good at it that she was accused of cheating because she always won! You also had to pick your own switch but it wasn't necessarily used on you. We kids were always asked to help her find the things that she misplaced, mainly her glasses. And the number 1 thing you could not do was talk when she was watching Donahue.

Maxine was preceded by her husband, Orval James, and her parents, James Rosco and Ora Mae.

She is survived by her children: Orval Dale Merrell of Tulsa, OK, Gary Wayne Merrell and wife Ann of Van Buren, AR and Carol Ruth Kirby and husband Jeff of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren: Missy Hancock and husband David, Megan Wertz and husband Bryan, Carrie Duvall and husband Drew, Eric Merrell, Lauren Fivekiller and husband Derek and Cody Merrell; great-granddaughter: Emma Fivekiller; siblings: Wilma Beller and husband Johnny, Verna Young and husband Fred and Sue Hembry and husband Sonny.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Viewing will be 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, August 22nd at Moore's Memory Chapel 1403 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa, OKlahoma.

Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 23rd at Vernon Cemetery 14827 S. 305th E. Ave., Coweta, Oklahoma 74429.

Moore's Memory Chapel 918-583-6148