of Clinton, AR
May 25, 1947 - January 8, 2024
Merl Dean Widener Eoff was born in Conway, Arkansas on May 25, 1947. She was the daughter of Floyd Newton Widener JR. and Elva Dean Bonds Widener. Her maternal grandparents were Joe Jackson Bonds and Myrtha Arizona Lee Bonds and her paternal grandparents were Floyd N. Widener, SR. and Bessie Iona Bressels Widener. Merl learned the ethics of working, cooking and helping others from her grandparents.
Merl attended the majority of her school years in Clinton, Arkansas. She graduated from Conway High School in 1965. She also attended Jones Beauty School. She kept books at Ward Body Works and Conway Concrete Company until she married Bill Eoff on December 31, 1966. They worked at Eoff Furniture Company until 1977, when they opened The Furniture Mart until 2000. From 1982-2020, her and Bill sold McGhee Monuments. Merl was elected Clinton Recorder/Treasurer, where she served for over 11 years.
Merl will always be remembered for many reasons; her undying loyalty, her strength, her love for family and her cooking. She was named 1983 Arkansas Chicken Cooking Queen for her Stupendous Lemon Pepper Chicken and then won 1984 Silver Anniversary Chicken Cooking Queen against all the previous years' winners. She then published her cookbook "Scratch and Mix It", that contains many of her own recipes, along with friends and family members.
Merl loved her community and loved helping others. She served on many service boards, such as the Van Buren County Library Board, Clinton PTA, Red Cross and Van Buren County Swimming Pool. The last two boards were especially dear to her heart, as she believed everyone should be able to swim and have access to an education. Merl also hosted numerous baby and wedding showers for people in the community as well as assisting/catering at weddings.
Bill and Merl have three daughters and six grandchildren: Erika Smith (Terry and their sons, Braxton and Brock), Myra Grantham (Steve and her sons, Kase and Kody Shock) and Monica Lieblong (Jason and their daughters, Mary Alex and Karly Rae).
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Pee Dee Cemetery c/o Rita Collums, PO Box 175, Bee Branch, Arkansas 72013 or if you would like to donate digitally, the family is setting up a digital link.
The family will receive guests on Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. at the family home located at 185 Pee Dee Road, Clinton, Arkansas.
To express condolences online please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton
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62 Condolence(s)
Bonnie Tietjen
Monday, February 12, 2024
I'm so sorry for your loss, I just saw Merl's obit and was so sad to hear that she had passed away. Bill, my deepest condolences to you and your family...May God bless you with peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Love and Prayers,
Bonnie Tietjen (Johnson)
Debbie Whillock
Saturday, January 27, 2024
I was in school with Merl in Clinton and we were cheerleaders together. I spent many nights at their house eating Dean’s wonderful cooking. We studied together, laughed together and giggled silly stories about everything together. We went to Venezuela together where she taught me “proper” ironing techniques! There is no telling how many showers of all kinds we did together. That was Merl. If there was anything going on, she was probably the go to person with it! She will always have a place in my heart. My prayers are for Bill and her family. Merl, I am sure, is up in heaven organizing the angels! Merl, Bill and her girls will always be a part of my family and will always be remembered.
Dona Patterson
Friday, January 26, 2024
I'm so sorry. She was a great lady and friend. She will be truly missed. Her beauty and always a smiling face. Prayers
Linda Isom Cartwright
Sunday, January 21, 2024
Dear Bill, girls and grandchildren,
I was so very very sorry to hear of your loss. Merl was a special person, and I know you will cherish your memories of her. May God bless and keep you.
Chastity LeMarr
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Merl was such a beautiful woman inside and out. I’m sure my momma, Sylvia Sample, met her at those heavenly golden gates with arms wide open welcoming her in. Now they are up there together having the biggest time of their life. To the family my thoughts and prayers on your loss of such a wonderful woman. Merl will be missed by all that knew her.
Don koone
Sunday, January 14, 2024
sorry for your loss Bill...she was a good women...
wayne johnson
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Sorry to hear of Meal Dean passing. She was a great part of our school days. Praying for you and your family.
Betty Jolly Campbell
Friday, January 12, 2024
Merl was a good friend and I will miss her. Please tell Bill I am thinking of him.
Rusty and Lori Meazle
Friday, January 12, 2024
Such a wonderful lady!! We are so very sorry for your loss and will continue to prayer for you all!!
MENA RUSHING
Thursday, January 11, 2024
So sorry to hear about Merl passing she was a good friend a beautiful lady inside and out prayer for all her family for comfort and peace Merl will be missed
Kaye Allen
Thursday, January 11, 2024
So sorry to hear about Merl.Praying for you and your girls Bill.God be with you
Jimmie Grace
Thursday, January 11, 2024
So sorry to hear of your loss. She was always a delight!
Jan and Tim Mahan
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Erika, Myra, Monica, and Bill,
We are so sorry about the loss of Merl. Prayers for you guys in the next days to come. There are some wonderful memories of your mom and soul mate for you guys to cherish.
Love,
Jan and Tim Mahan
Donna and Harvey Ricketts
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Bill, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers over the loss of Merl. She was a very thoughtful and caring person for all of Clinton. May God be with you all through this sad time.
Donna and Harvey Ricketts
Lawrence & Glenda Howard
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Bill, although we were not well acquainted with your lovely wife, no one could live in this community without hearing of her many contributions to the city and community as well as the kindness and love she offered to anyone who crossed her path. May God wrap his comforting arms around you and your family during this time as you celebrate a life that touched so many. Our prayers are with you.
Lawrence and Glenda Howard
Emma and Jeremy Smiley
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Bill, Erika, Myra, Monica and family-
Our love and prayers are with you all. Merl was such a special lady and will be greatly missed. I'll forever cherish her friendship.
Dayna Collard
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Mr. Bill, I'm so sorry to read of this. God bless you and your family.
Stephanie Lawrence
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Bill, Erika, Myra, Monica and family
I am so sorry to hear of Merl's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you comfort and peace in the days to come.
Gail & Joel Barriga
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
We were very sorry to hear of Merls passing. She leaves a wonderful legacy and we know she will be deeply missed. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Rebecca Smith Johnson
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Merl was a very kind and thoughtful lady. She always smiled and made people feel welcomed. Merl would randomly stop and visit with my mother, Betty Patterson Smith, and also be a taxi for her at times! My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Diana L Jones
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
What an impact this special lady made in this community! She will surely be missed by all. Prayers for comfort to all those she leaves behind.
Cheryl Lefler Bennett
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
May peace and love be with you girls and grands during these difficult days. Heaven gained a beautiful soul. She left a lot of beautiful memories for us all.
Sherrin Newland Richardson
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Merl was always a force to be reckoned with, even as my cheerleading captain as an 8th grader! Many good times were shared. She was a woman of many talents and she could get most anything organized and done to perfection. I truly believe her finest legacy is the three girls she raised into strong women, each successful and following in her big footsteps. As a teacher I had the pleasure ) of watching them handle any task with skill and confidence. All three have advanced degrees and are making the world better. Thank you, Merl, for ALL your contributions to our community, but most of all for raising three good humans. God bless all of you.
Nanette
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Merl~ The world was blessed to have you in it.
Toney and Sallie Parish
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
TP and I are so sorry for your loss! Merl and Bill have been our friends since we moved to Clinton in 1963! We had many good times and our girls were friends of your girls! Our love and prayers are with the entire family!!!
Amy Brock
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
I'm so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.
Trina Jones
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
So sorry to hear of Merl’s passing. Sending prayers for the family.
Karen Harlan
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
l am so sorry for all of you for your loss of such a sweet loved one .My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Freddie and Kay Williams
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
To Bill and Family: We were saddened to hear of Merl's passing. She was distant relative and loyal citizen of the Clinton community. We pray God's grace on the family.
Emma Hink
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Jean Underwood
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Bill, so sorry to hear about Merl. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Johnny Huie
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
So very sorry Bill
Jason Gates
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Prayers for family.
Mark Gammill
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
I am saddened to hear about Her passing. Vickie and I are praying for Bill, the girls and grandchildren.
Mark Gammill
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
I am saddened to hear about Her passing. Vickie and I are praying for Bill, the girls and grandchildren.
Leah Bradford Black
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Merl was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman in every way and her passing leaves a big hole in a lot of hearts, most especially Bill, her daughters and grandchildren. I rejoice with Merl in being freed from all pain and suffering here on earth, but grieve with Bill and family in their loss of her earthly presence. Merl’s was a life well lived and she will be missed by all of us.
April Gates Thomas
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Mrs Merl was a truly amazing woman. I am sorry for y’all’s loss of such a loving and wonderful person.
Shirley Isom Johnson
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Sorry to hear. Merle was a beautiful woman both inside and outside. Praying for the family.
Tracy & Tracy Cooley
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
So sorry for your loss! Prayers for all of the family! Merl was such a good person and leaves a wonderful legacy. Our favorite memory is when our youngest daughter was born on Merl’s birthday and she called me at the hospital. She was so happy and was especially when I told her we named her Monica. Love and prayers to all!
June May ("Barnett") Harness
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
So sorry to see this, Bill, and family. I have known Merl since she was born. As a four-year-old, I will never forget Elva Dean bringing that beautiful little doll into our store/post office at Arlberg to show her off, (where "my dad" was postmaster.) We were neighbors to grandparents, Joe and Myrtha Bonds there, and also great grandparents, Andrew and Mandy Bonds across the river. (They cut and delivered us wood.) In later years at Clinton, Junior Widener worked on our vehicles. Elva Dean was a gracious, inviting hostess. Even if I popped in on her unannounced (high school age), she would have a pot of something on the stove and I/we would leave fed! I did ironings for her for $5.00 a batch, big money back then for a teenager! Lots of pretty frilly dresses in the ironing for Merl Dean and Franny! These are precious people I grew up with. So sorry that so many are no longer with us and now to hear of dear Merl Dean, too. My heartfelt regards to Bill and all her family. God bless you all in the days to come. Sharing Ps. 91, the "I WILLS" of God, His promises to take complete care of us in every way. We can be confident in His word to do that. Prayers!
Jim and Laudell Massengill
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. Merl was a wonderful person: kind, caring, smart, and talented. She had a ready smile and a quick laugh. It was a pleasure to know Merl. Our prayers are with you all.
Joan Tester Warren
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Merle was one sweet Person, she will be missed by so many people. My prayers are with you girls and Bill. Y'all are such lucky girls to have the best mom in the world!
Bobby and Susan Robertson
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
We are so glad to have had Merl in our lives and to call her a dear friend for many years. Love and prayers for all the family. She is so missed.
Marilyn Sue Linn Whitley
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
To The Widner & Eoff I send my sympathy...I spent a lot of time in the Widner Home growing up in Clinton and being a Friend of Fran's so I Always admired Meryl's taste in beauty both in clothing and personal care...May the Family always cherish their memories.
Nancy Fowler
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Mr. Bill and family,
Our deepest condolences to your family. Ms. Merl was such a kind and beautiful lady. It was a blessing to know her.
Our prayers for you all.
James and Nancy
Jo Nell Warren
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
I have so many wonderful memories with Merl. She was a very special person. She will be missed by so many people in so many ways. I’m praying for Bill, her girls and all of their families.
Kathy Boone
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Merl will be greatly missed. I always had so much respect for her, she was so good at everything she did. A beautiful lady inside and out. Rest in peace Merl. Luv ya.
Chris & John Martin
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Our deepest condolences to Bill and the Eoff family. Merl was such a wonderful woman who gave her best in all she did. This community will surely miss her.
Mike Chandler
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Bill, so very sorry to read this. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rusty Taylor
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
I'm so sorry to learn of Mel's passing. She became a good friend of mine in Venezuela and we remained friends through the years, though we were miles apart. My heart goes out to Bill, their children and Fran. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. She will be missed.
Lavonne Huggins Roddy
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
So sorry to hear this. Fond memories of Merle. Prayers to Bill and kids.
Narainn
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
My sympathy to the family. I enjoyed my interactions with Merle. From our visits I can say she was ways proud of Bill and his endeavors. Mention her daughters or her grandchildren and she would get such a glow. She loved each of you and was so proud of your accomplishments. Wishing this lady a peaceful rest until she is reunited with her family.
Rex Morrison
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Bill so sorry to here about her passing great friends please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you rex
Linda Russell Sykes
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Merl was such a good friend and had so much fun together. We were at Jones Beauty College/ salon at the same time. She was my Bridesmaid at my Wedding, and her and Bill married two months later, I was in Florida by then though. I will never forget our friendship and what a great time we had together.
Sammy&Anna Lou Ward
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
We are so sorry of the passing of our friend Merl she was a great secretary for the city of Clinton she was a friend and love to cook ,she was a great mother grandmother and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family we love her dearly. God Bless the family
Karla smith Elliott
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
I am saddened to hear about Merls Passing. She was such a sweet person. We went to school in Clinton and a year later, to our pleasant surprise, we both walked into Spanish class at Conway High School. I'm confident in saying that all who knew Merl will miss her and her friendly smile. God bless Bill and family. Prayer and love always.
Michael Crowell
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
So sorry for your loss BE & family! The Crowell's will all be praying for your peace, comfort, and strength in the coming days.
Bettye smith
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
I'm sorry to hear of mergers passing. I pray her family be comforted at this
Mary Bonds McNeese
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
So sorry to here of Merl passing she was a sweet lady wonderful cook my prayers are with yall
Stephanie Barger Treece
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
So very sorry Bill and Eoff daughters. Sending you prayers!
Reba Bonds Rooney
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
So sorry to hear about her she was a great lady (baker cook etc ) she taught us ladies at school to do lemon pepper chicken but now she has peace she will be missed.
Mary Archer
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
So sad for her passing. Had lot of fun times and good visits. I'm am out of town till 1st of month , but, know I am thinking of you all in love and prayers.