Ovada Lorene Merrill passed away on August 15, 2025.

Ovada was born on October 30, 1941 on the farm in Dewey County, by Leedey, Oklahoma to Cecil Harvey and Evie Lorene (Splawn) Pridemore. Ovada loved the Lord and served Him with her whole heart. She accepted Christ when she was 14 and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Union City, OK. Ovada was kind, generous, and warm-hearted. She loved her family and would do anything for them. She was a hard worker, never sitting still. She wasn’t happy unless she was in the thick of things, always volunteering. She loved cooking for everyone, always trying out new recipes.

She was teased for being a “professional funeral mourner” due to her attending so many funerals.

She loved camping and volunteering at Luke’s Closet and Angel’s Attic. She had a green thumb, enjoyed her gardening and was always canning something.

Ovada is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Harvey Pridemore; sister, Freda Amyway; and daughter, Shala Rae Merrill.

She is survived by husband, Jerry Merrill, sons, Kevin Merrill, Ryke Merrill, Flint Merrill and wife Robin; grandchildren, Dylan Merrill and wife Monica, Jessica Merrill, Bethany Merrill, Tyler Merrill and wife Sara, and Shala Merrill; 5 great-grandchildren; sisters, Rena Vowell, Donna Clark and Katherine Gayman; and numerous other family members who will miss her dearly.

Memorial Contributions may be made in honor of Ovada to The Gideon’s International.

A visitation of family and friends will be held 6 pm - 7:30 pm today, at Ingram, Smith, & Turner Mortuary in Yukon, Oklahoma. Ovada’s funeral service with reception following will be held 10 am tomorrow at Ingram, Smith, & Turner Mortuary with burial following at Clinton Cemetery in Clinton, Oklahoma.