Dorothy Merle Blair, age 98, of Fair Grove, Missouri, passed into the loving arms of Jesus on November 8, 2022. Merle, as she was more commonly known, was born to Clarence Litle and Geneva (Tucker) Litle on November 28, 1923, in Rondo, Missouri, a small rural community in Polk County. She was raised in the Bolivar area and attended school in Flemington where she graduated from high school in 1941. After high school, Merle enrolled at Southwest Baptist University. After one year of college, Merle left SBU to pursue a lengthy career in banking. On November 11, 1944, Merle was united in marriage to the love of her life, Herschel Delbert Blair. The couple shared 42 wonderful years of marriage before Delbert’s untimely passing in 1986. They were blessed with two children, Marvin and Janice. Merle retired from Bank of America and continued to live in Fair Grove until her passing. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Merle was a devoted Christian who lived her life in service of the Lord. Merle was a member of Bass Chapel Baptist Church in Strafford where served the church in a variety of volunteer roles. She especially enjoyed spending time and fellowshipping with her JOY group friends (Just Older Youth). Outside of her busy church life, Merle loved to bake pies and cookies. While she was known for being an excellent cook, it was her baking that always took center stage. Other pastimes included gardening, quilting, knitting, and crocheting. She enjoyed attending fairs and festivals where she would sell many of her hand-made crafts. Merle also loved to travel and see new sights. Some of her fondest trips were to Alaska and California. Nothing, however, compared to the countless hours she and Delbert shared while fishing at the lake. Merle loved her family and adored her grandchildren beyond measure. Each grandchild brought her unspeakable joy and fulfillment.

Merle was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Geneva; husband, Delbert; and son, Marvin. She is survived by her daughter, Janice Hankins; grandson, Christopher Adams; grandson, Keith Adams and his wife Trinette; granddaughter, Tiffany Sanford and her husband Mark; and 11 great grandchildren.

A visitation for Dorothy Merle Blair will be held on Monday, November 14, 2022, from 12:00-1:00 pm, at Greenlawn North Funeral Home in Springfield (3506 N National Ave). A funeral service, officiated by pastor Russell Roderick, will be held immediately following the visitation. Merle will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Fair Grove (12084 N Farm Road 221).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Merle’s memory to the Bass Chapel Baptist Church.