Mary Merrifield Mary Julia (Groce) Merrifield, 97, of Richmond passed away Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at John Knox Village in Higginsville.

Mary was born Jan. 9, 1928, in Richmond and lived there her entire life.

She was married to Charles W Merrifield on July 27, 1952. They lived in the Richmond area, where they were engaged in farming with Charles’ father.

Mary graduated from Central Methodist College, with majors in mathematics and English with a bachelor of arts degree.

She taught at Jameson High School, Lexington High School and Richmond High School. She retired from Richmond High School after teaching there for 21 years. She later worked for the Internal Revenue Service for 15 years, retiring in 1999.

She was a member of the Richmond United Methodist Church, serving as lay delegate to the annual conference for more than 20 years.

She was a member of the Conference Board of Pensions, Conference Commission on Equitable Salaries and the District Board of Trustees for many years. She also was a member of the Social Concerns Circle, past president of United Methodist Women and president of the Ray County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

In addition, she was a member of the Ray County Retired Teachers Association; National Association of Retired Federal Workers; Daughters of the American Revolution, serving six years as regent; the American Lung Association of University Women; and charter member of the Kappa Mu Epsilon Chapter at Central Methodist College. She served on the board of the American Lung Association of Western Missouri for many years as well.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Krista and Dale Sayler of Odessa; and her son and daughterin- law, Donald and Ann Merrifield of Columbia.

Other survivors include her grandchildren: John Charles (Shellie) Riling of Independence; Benjamin Hamrah of Columbia; Daniel John Merrifield of Cleveland, Ohio; and Sarah Ann (Jack) Maguigad of St. Louis. She also is survived by her great-grandchildren: Caleb Charles Riling, Cadyn Lewis Riling and Colton Andrew Riling, all of Independence. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She also is survived by her great-great-grandchildren: Beckett Riling, Ramona Riling and Ivy Riling.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandson, Andrew Bradley Sayler.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Richmond United Methodist Church, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri or PASS (Providing Academic Support for Success). They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services were scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Richmond United Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at noon, followed by the services at 1 p.m. Interment was to be held in Richmond Memory Gardens.

Please share your memories of Mary with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.