Merlene Faye Kuykendall

NAME: Merlene Kuykendall AGE: 78 RESIDENT OF: Visalia DATE OF DEATH: November 24, 2015 OCCUPATION: Teacher PLACE OF DEATH: Surrounded by family and friends, Merlene Kuykendall went peacefully to meet her Lord on November 24, 2015. Merlene was born on January 24th, 1937 in Miami, Oklahoma to Olan and Beulah DaVee. She is preceded in death by Sister Francie Broderick and daughter Michele Kuykendall. Merlene is survived by husband Bill Kuykendall of 58 years, siblings Jerry DaVee, Neva Barker, and Treva Bullard, children Renee and Ed Taylor, Collette and Lino Barragan, Cory Kuykendall and Donovan Lucas, grandchildren Kile and Missi Taylor, Sean and Jill Taylor, Aaron Hamilton, Tristan and Nathan Barragan, and Kade Vera. She had 3 great-grandchildren, Liam, Kaia, and Charlie Michele. Merlene and Bill were married on September 20th, 1957 in Visalia. They were married for 58 years. Together, they raised 4 children. Merlene worked in banking before going back to school with friends Freda McCarty and Mona Searcy at Fresno State in 1975. While at Fresno State, she earned a teaching credential and a Master’s degree, in speech. She graduated Cum Laude. She began her career in teaching in 1976 at Sundale Elementary in Tulare where she taught every grade from Kindergarten through eighth grade. During her time at Sundale, it was not uncommon for families to request her to be their student’s teacher. Merlene retired in 2001 after 26 years in education. The wife of a coach, it was a common sight to see her attending most home basketball games sitting right behind the home bench. Merlene was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. She was also a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and Den Mother. Known to her grandchildren as “Merene,” she will be remembered as being kind, generous, and unconditionally supportive. A natural hostess, Merene never said “no” to opening her home where she frequently hosted birthday parties, holiday celebrations, church get together, graduation parties, and other special occasion. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at the Visalia Community Church of Christ on December 21st at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michelle Kuykendall track scholarship at Mt. Whitney or the Sundale Library. SURVIVED BY: PRECEDED IN DEATH BY: VISITATION: SERVICES: BURIAL: A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Merlene Faye Kuykendall

January 24, 1937 - November 24, 2015