Clara Anne MERRELL

Clara Anne MERRELL, 84, of Bolivar, NY, died Tuesday, December 20, 2022 in Olean General Hospital. 

Born July 7, 1938, in Rochester, she was the daughter of Earl and Fern Prevost Gerew.  On June 4, 1960, in Rochester, she married Burdette Lewis “Bud” Merrell, who survives.  She was employed by Genesee Hospital in the dietary department and then stayed home to raise her children.  Clara was a member of Riverside Assembly of God in Wellsville.  She was a great mother and grandmother, who had a strong faith and was always praying. 

Surviving besides her husband, Bud, are:  ten children, Burdette L. (Ellen) Merrell, Jr. of Perry, George W (Louise) Merrell of Cuba, Kimberly Ann (Jim) DeGroff of Bolivar, Tina (Rex) Francisco of Scio, Michael (Vonda) Merrell of Niagara Falls, Linda (Dana) Harris of Wellsville, Clarence (Marsha) Merrell of Lima, Pauleen (Rory) Dudley of Bolivar, Richard James Merrell of Lexington Park, MD, and Sandra (Brian) Brizzee of Wellsville;  47 grandchildren;  47 great-grandchildren;  two great-great-grandchildren;  two sisters, Eileen Stevens and Cheryl Curry;  nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Keith Merrell of Bergen, who was like a son.  She was predeceased by a daughter, Sharon Merrell;  and three grandsons, Kristopher R. Francisco, Michael Witter, and Zachary Keller. 

Friends may call at Riverside Assembly of God, Riverside Drive, Wellsville on Friday, December 23, 2022 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 AM.  Rev. John Francisco and Rory Dudley will co-officiate.  Burial will be in Bath National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. 

Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.