Allison Ann Merrill
October 15, 2011
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.
Mary Wilson
10/21/2011
I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Brian Bloem
10/20/2011
Mavis, Jeannette, and Les,
I am shocked. Please accept my condolences as you deal with the untimely death of Allison. I remember fondly working with Allison and the fun we had when she hosted Beacon poker parties. Your family provided the start for so many young people (who are no longer young). I am grateful for those opportunities. I am sad that I will be unable to attend the service, I am living in South Bend, IN now and I will be visiting Des Moines the next day. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brian Bloem
Joyce Watters
10/20/2011
Allison will greatly be missed. I was lucky to have the privilege of working with her on several ITA programs. A lovely person. God Bless
Jana Finnegan-Schade
10/20/2011
Mavis, Jeanette, and family,
My heart breaks for all of you...Allie has been called to heaven far too soon for any of us! I do hope your memories will see you through this time of sorrow. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Love, hugs, and strength to all of you...
Jana
Diane Higgins
10/19/2011
Mavis and family---I am thinking of all of you at this time and wishing you comfort and peace as Allison has fought so diligently these past few years. I never had a chance to meet her but her Aunt Wanda and I spoke of her often. A Hug and a Prayer. Diane
Jennifer Highland
10/19/2011
I was so saddened by the news of Allison's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Merrill family. I worked for the Merrills and with Allison for 2 1/2 years when I first moved to Des Moines in 1993. What an amazing person she was.
Tracy Waddle
10/19/2011
I had the pleasure of working with Allison on a few of our travel programs. I count myself as privileged to have known her and been able to share time with her as friends. Allison was a beautiful woman inside and out. She could light up a room with her smile and gentle way. She will be greatly missed and my deepest sympathies go out to you all. I will remember her always and cherish the memories of having known her as she enriched my live, as well as, all the lives around her. So, so sorry~
Nancy Tinnean
10/18/2011
My heart goes out to you as a family with the loss of Allison. Truly everything that was written in her obituary is so very true. Allison and I knew each other through ITA. I traveled with her on several occasions and want you to know she was a pure delight to work with. She always had a smile and I never knew her to have a bad day. I not longer am working with ITA, but am quite sure she will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and worked with her. 8 years ago I walked through the challenges of breast cancer. I was still working at ITA at the time. Allison was so very supportive of me at that time in my life. I'm sure she had many loving friends who will continue to encourage you as a family.
May prayers are lifted up for you all at this time.
Sincerely,
Nancy Tinnean
Sheila Rayburn
10/18/2011
I am a Travel Director at ITA and had the privilege of working with Allison numerous times. She was a delight and will be missed by so many! God bless her family during this difficult time. May the knowledge that she impacted so many lives in a positive way be a source of healing. I will miss her smiling presence.
Sheila Rayburn
Katie Ross
10/18/2011
I am deeply saddened by the news of Allison's passing. I had the wonderful opportunity to travel with her over the years and her smile, laugh and love of life was very contagious and will be missed by all. I pray that you rest in peace Allison and that your memory will remain with us forever!
Mary Granneman
10/18/2011
Our dear sweet Allison - I miss you already. I know you are in heaven with your new
perfect body. It was an honor to be able to walk you home, and we will celebrate you
tomorrow on your birthday! Give Gavin a big hug from me and I will see you soon pal!
Cathy Divine-Koch
10/17/2011
I am so saddened to hear about Allison's passing. She was always a special friend and she always will.
love and prayers to you all
Cathy