Cynthia Clara (Avila) Merrill, 83, was welcomed home to join her loved ones and her Lord Jesus Christ on January 28, 2025. She was born November 3rd, 1941 in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts to Joseph and Mary (Motta) Avila. On September 5th, 1959, she married Gary James Merrill. They made Salina, Kansas their home to work and raise their family. Cindy worked at Duffens Optical as a clerk for over 30 years.
Cindy had many friends but she loved being with family most of all. Rarely did she miss one of her grandchildren's many events. She and Gary became snowbirds in retirement and headed to Florida in the winter months. Their RV was home in the sunny state and was also parked many days in the summer at Milford Lake.
They have been season ticket holders to Kansas State Football since the early 70's and still have the same seats. As the family grew, seats were purchased around them and the family has a total of 18. We all know better not to schedule anything on a day the Wildcats play at home. After Gary's death in 2013, Cindy and her daughters started delivering Meals on Wheels one week a month for 11 years. Cindy leaves behind many who adore her and feel the void as much as her family does. She was always ready for an adventure with us. Four wheeling in the mountains, white water rafting in Colorado, parasailing in Florida, paddleboarding at Wilson Lake, riding horses in Branson and any concert in the area are just a few. She is preceded in death by her husband Gary, her parents Joseph and Mary Avila, her brothers James and Joseph Jr., her sisters, little Shirley who passed at the age of 4, Betty Avila and Shirley Avila. Father and Mother-in-law Russell and Winifred Merrill, Brother-in-law Mike Merrill and Sister-in-Law Marilyn Herwig.
Survivors include her three children, David (Carol) Merrill, Briana (John) Olson, and Linda (Dan) Mendicina. Sister Rosalie (Louie) Baptiste, and sister-in-law Suzanne Canada. Grandchildren, Chelsey (Adrian) Nolasco, Shawncie (Ryan) Hamilton, Hailie (Warren) King, Dylan Mendicina, Paige (Michael) Cook, Joshua (Jessica) Olson, Carlie Olson, Chris (Jennifer) Fritz, Justin (Melissa) Fritz, and Jackie (Sergio) Correa, 17 great grandchildren and two twin boys due in April. Also, many nieces, nephews and her faithful four legged buddy, Chevy.
We will celebrate Cindy's life February 21, 2025 at First Covenant Church, 2625 E. Magnolia, Salina, Kansas at 10:30 am. Lunch will follow immediately after the service followed by a private burial for family members.
Memorials may be made to Meals On Wheels or the Salina Animal Shelter.
Thank you for loving our Cindy as much as we do. She was such a gem in our family and made everything in life so much fun. Our loss is truly Heaven's gain. Her great grandson Jace described her perfectly….she made our dark clouds disappear and brought in the sunlight.