Leslie Merrill nee Louva Lee Fones passed away December 9, 2013 at age 89 in Richland, Washington. A long-time resident of Richland, Leslie was born September 1, 1924 in Deer Trail, Colorado to Wilbur L. and Bernice Fones. A child of the Dust Bowl, she grew up in Dalhart, Texas. After a brief period at Oklahoma University, she took flight training in 1944 and was only a solo flight away from obtaining her pilot's license. Leslie worked as an Aviation Mechanic at the Army Airbase in Dalhart, TX, where she met her husband-to-be, Jim Merrill. They married in 1946.

Leslie and Jim moved to Richland, Washington in 1968. Leslie was a dedicated member of Central United Protestant Church and taught adult Bible Study classes for many years. She was proud to complete her Bachelor of Theology degree in December 1994 at age 70. Throughout her life, other achievements included winning multiple prizes in art, photography, and especially poetry which was used as the lyrics for a published song. She wrote several unpublished novels. For over 5 years, Leslie selflessly volunteered her time to teach dyslexic grade-school students in reading.

Leslie is survived by her husband, James Merrill; her son, Steve Merrill; her daughters Lisa and husband Alan Ahrens, Barbara Merrill, and Denise and husband Bob Jackson. She is also survived by granddaughter Summer and her husband Mark Mohrlang and children Allister and Amelia; and granddaughter Nichelle and her husband John Keatley as well as their children Isla and Jett; and her brother Monty Fones and wife Nancy.