Allison Ann Merrill
October 15, 2011
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Service Details
Allison Ann Merrill, 45, passed away on October 15, 2011, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa.
Allison was born October 19, 1965, in Lima, Peru, S.A., the younger daughter of William and Mavis (Schnurr) Merrill. She graduated from high school in Ames in 1984, and moved to Des Moines in 1985. In 1991, she graduated from Drake University with a degree in Journalism. She was the co-owner of The Computer Learning Center from 1993 – 2001, but her love of travel led her to take a position as a travel director for ITAGroup, where she enjoyed the opportunity to visit numerous international destinations. She was also employed by the law firm of LaMarca and Landry, and was near to finishing her law degree at the time of her passing.
Many lives were touched by Allison’s outgoing and loving nature. She was involved in many social and creative pursuits, including: scrapbooking, wine tasting and gourmet cooking, scuba diving, bicycling, fashion, home décor, photography, and numerous other activities. Her love of animals was reflected in her volunteer work at a local animal shelter, and her two cats, d'Artagnan and Twinkie, were her pride and joy.
She was not afraid to try anything at least once, from skydiving to runway modeling to the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Her friends and family were her strength and her joy; she was a consummate hostess, and was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. And with her unsurpassed sense of humor, she was able to put anyone at ease with a word and a smile.
Allison is survived by her mother Mavis; her sister, Jeannette Roth, along with Jeannette’s husband Les and their children Taliesin and Danielle; aunts, Wanda Schnurr and Beverly Telfor; and her uncle Duane Merrill. Allison was preceded in death by her father, William.
Allison was interred at a private ceremony on October 20 at Graceland Cemetery in Webster City, Iowa. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines. Family will greet friends one hour prior.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Dana Grannes
01/31/2019
I realize that this is MANY years late, but it goes to show how Allison is still in her friend's hearts and minds. I worked with Allison at Beacon for several years. She was always such a happy person, with a good heart and soul. She is sorely missed.
We'll all meet again at the end of the world.
Stefani Sogard Kloiber
10/30/2011
So sorry to see of Allison's passing. I was surprised to see her name as I was reading the paper. I knew Allison in junior high at Central and at Ames High. I fondly remember a group of us junior high age girls watching scary movies at the Microcenter store. We thought was so cool to be watching the movies at the store. She was such a great person, always in a good mood and so stylish! I hope your memories give you great comfort is this time of sadness.
Stefani (Sogard) Kloiber
Neil and Darlene Harl
10/29/2011
We were deeply saddened to learn of Allison's passing. . . we were drawn closer to your family, including Allison, when our son, Rod, was bothering your staff at Beacon Microcenter in the 1980s. They were great role models for Rod. . . he still talks about his very pleasant experiences there.
She was too young. . . and had so much vitality. . .a vivacious personality. She would have developed into a great lawyer. Our sympathies go out to the family and close friends.
Neil and Darlene
rex bryant
10/27/2011
I am so sorry to hear of Allison's passing. Had I known she was ill I would have sent her a joke or 2 to try and give her back a bit of the cheer she gave me in time of need. As it is, I give you, the family, my all to insufficient condolences on such a loss. She was, as you know, a kind and fun person. She is, and will be, missed by a great many.
Ruth and Gary Furman
10/27/2011
Our hearts go out to you Mavis -- we can empathize with you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you and your family.
Brian Phelps
10/25/2011
I am so sorry to hear about Allison. I was very fortunate to grow up in same neiborhood as Allison and her family. I have many fond memories growing up on Ferndale. All of us kids outside all summer, playing long after the sun went down. Allison was a very special person and she will be truly missed.
Kathy Myers-Sager
10/25/2011
To the Allison Merrill Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all; I went to school with Allison from 7th grade(Central Jr HS) thru 12th(AHS).
She was one of the smartest in our class, not to mention such a pretty gal! She had such a kind heart and she was ALWAYS helping others, sincerely and got great enjoyment in doing so. She was in ALOT of my classes, during our times of being in school together. Since my maiden name is "Myers," we always sat close by each other!
I now live in Strasburg, Virginia, married, but I still keep in touch with everyone back in Iowa and read the Ames Tribune weekly. I was truly shocked to see Allison's name and photo in the paper.
She was adventurous and maintained MANY accomplishments.
May she Rest in Peace with the Lord and may God bring comfort to her family at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Kathy (Myers) Sager
Strasburg, Virginia
Sheri Olsen
10/25/2011
To the Merrill family, I was fortunate enough to work with Allison several times over the last 4 years through ITAGroup. Besides her constant positive attitude and professionalism, what truly impressed me was her drive and determination. I know of no one else that could take on all the professional and personal activities she did and still have time and energy to smile and take on one more thing. She truly represented the person I strive to be. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you pass through this difficult time.
Douglas Hamer
10/25/2011
I am deeply saddened to hear of Allison's passing. My condolences to her entire extended family. I recall her performances at Demicon with great fondness. She will be missed.
Rachelle Dolan
10/24/2011
I was blessed to meet Allison a couple of times when I worked at ITA but I would hear her name mentioned almost daily. I recall how pleased a Program Manager would be when we told them she was available for a program and how she was requested frequently. Words often used to describe her were professional, intelligent, poised, sweet, and caring. Heaven has one more angel tonight. Prayers for her family for strength and peace.
Shelley Velman
10/24/2011
My sympathies go out to the family and friends of Allison. She will be missed!
I had the great fortune to work with Allison in the 80"s and 90"s. She modeled with a group of us from Nancy Bounds, then went to John Casablancas, and eventually ended up at Models Unlimited. She was always willing to work, no matter how awful the outfit, and did it with great flair and panache. Her turns on the runway were phenomenal! I will keep her exuberant smile and fabulous runway presence in my memories forever.
In Sympathy,
Shelley Velman
Kathie Van Elsen Berry
10/23/2011
I know that Allison will be missed by so many as she touched lives around her. My thoughts and love go out to her close family and friends.
"Life is eternal, and love is immortal,
and death is only a horizon;
and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight."
Rossiter Worthington Raymond
I send my love,
Kathie
Becky Kinnamon
10/21/2011
Jeanette, and all, I'm sorry to learn of Allison's death. I know she meant the world to all who were touched by her life. I hope you find comfort in the stories others share of your sister, daughter, aunt and friend. She sure could light up a room. That's what I'll remember - her light. Peace and comfort to you.
Melody Fischbacher
10/21/2011
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to Allison's family. I had the pleasure of working with Miss Allison for three years while at LaMarca and Landry. Allison was my hero. I admired her outgoing and positive attitude no matter what life threw at her. She helped me with lots of things and for that I will always be appreciative. She never let anything get her down and she was such a fighter. Even after I left LaMarca and Landry we occasionally kept in touch. Allison we be greatly missed. I know that she is in a better place, but this world will not be the same without her. Rest in Peace Sweet Alli! I couldn't have asked for a better friend.
Brigid Bechtel
10/21/2011
I had the privilege of working with Allison for several years with ITA Group. Our travels took us to all over the world and most recently this past May to Hawaii. Her professionalism and work ethic were second to none; she never hesitated to assist anyone in need. She constantly put others before herself. She exemplified all that we ever strive to be while on this earth and Im so happy to have known her and called her a friend. Bless her that she is in heaven now, our thoughts and prayers are with your family.