Merreta M. Eldred, 67, of Brownwood, Texas, died Oct. 9, 2008, in Brownwood. Funeral services were Oct. 18, in Brownwood.

Merreta Marguerite "Rita" Kersey was born March 29, 1941, in Carthage, Mo., to Ralph and Jessie (McCorkle) Kersey. She lived in Washington County with her siblings, Robert, Erma, James and Joyce, and was a former member of First Christian Church in Blair.

She lived her adult life in New Mexico and Texas, and spent the last 33 years of her life with her husband, William "Wild Bill" Eldred. Her pride in her children was evident in her daily life and the ethics, morals, and values she instilled in them will live on through their children.

Mrs. Eldred collected many things, such as frogs and angels, but her largest collection was that of her friends and chosen family. Her enthusiastic spirit, brilliant smile and embracing arms will be missed by many.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; children, Sondra, James, and Christopher; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Erma and Ronnie Hansen of Blair.