The dinner for Merlene (Cole) Moss on Saturday, March 22, 2025, will be at 12:30 p.m. at the Vici Chamber Community Building. The dinner is Potluck, you may bring what you want. The building will be unlocked at 8:00 a.m. so you can drop your food off and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Merlene Joy Cole Moss was born September 19, 1935, in Dewey County, Oklahoma to Vernon and Irene Hunter Cole. She attended grade school in Dewey County and graduated from Vici High School in 1953.  On June 28, 1953, she married Duane Moss, and they began their life together in Stillwater, Oklahoma, while Duane finished his education. Merlene was Duane's constant source of love and support as his service in the army and career with the USDA Soil Conservation Service moved them many times throughout West Texas.  They eventually settled in Brownfield, Texas, in 1966 and remained there for over 40 years where they were active members of the Brownfield community. Merlene was a life-long learner and instilled a love of reading and education in each of their seven children.  In 1981, she returned to school and received her associate's degree from South Plains College. Following Duane's death in 2009, Merlene moved to Austin where she lived the remainder of her life.  Merlene loved being a wife, mother, and homemaker and will forever be remembered for her thoughtfulness and kindness to others. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities, but her greatest joy came from working with children. It will be impossible to number the lives impacted by her love and devoted service.  Merlene returned to her heavenly home March 15, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband Duane, her parents Vernon and Irene Cole, and her brothers Bobby Dewayne, Melvin Leon, and Mervin Dale.  She is survived by her children, Marilyn Felkner (Jerry) of Dripping Springs, TX, Denise Anderson (John) of Austin, TX, Gayla Sorenson (Ferril) of New Braunfels, TX, Kendall Moss of Marble Falls, TX, Melody Owen (Rob) of Meridian, ID, Aaron Moss (Sheri) of Mission, TX, and Krista Radandt (Jeremiah) of Grapevine, TX; twenty-five grandchildren and thirty-six great-grandchildren; a sister, Marva Salisbury of Eastland, TX, and a brother, Leland Cole (Jody) of Vici, OK; nine nieces and six nephews.

Memorial contributions to the Duane Moss Conservation Scholarship can be made by check sent to 208 W Broadway, Brownfield, TX, 79316 or by credit card by calling Jackie Pate at 806-637-7666, ext 103.