Myrna Grace Merrill, 83, of Brookings, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at her residence surrounded by her family.  There are currently no funeral services planned.

Myrna Grace Merrill was born on November 3, 1940, in Kittery, Maine, to Hamilton Ripley and Louise Estelle (Strout) Dyer.  Myrna spent much of her life in Maine, graduating with her high school diploma in 1986, and later receiving her master's degree in 1997, with a major in early childhood education.  Following her graduation, Myrna taught in Farmington, Maine, before moving to Erie, Pennsylvania in 2013 to help her son, Andrew, raise his children.  In January of 2024, Myrna, Andrew, and Andrew's family moved to Brookings, South Dakota.   William and his family later joined them in South Dakota in March of 2024.

Myrna loved animals, especially the family dog, Rocky.  She also loved kittens, even though she had developed an allergy to them.  Throughout her time living with Andrew, she enjoyed various trips where she could see the sights including beaches, lighthouses, and covered bridges.  Throughout these trips Myrna developed an affinity for lighthouses, and enjoyed spending time on the beach viewing those located nearby.  Oftentimes on their trips to the beach, the family would present Myrna with shells containing mother of pearl, which she loved.  Myrna was also a die-hard Elvis fan, and during one of the family trips to the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, she found herself spending time in the Elvis exhibit where she influenced her granddaughter Sierra to explore Elvis's music.  In her free time, Myrna enjoyed playing bridge, uno, and other card games, as well as reading books.  She loved lowbush blueberries which can be found on the east coast, and could often be found enjoying just about any blueberry food you could think of-as long as they were made with lowbush blueberries!  Myrna was a wonderfully loving and kind-hearted mother and grandmother.  She had a spunky attitude and could be strong-willed, often getting a laugh out of her family by sticking her tongue out at them during more serious moments.  Around 2018, Myrna began experiencing the effects of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia.  All throughout her diagnosis, Myrna retained a positive attitude and showed incredible inner strength.

Myrna is survived by her brothers: David (Joanie) Dyer, Freeman Dyer, and Donald Dyer; children: Amy (Mark) Murch Lemieux, William (Sara) Nason, and Andrew Nason; grandchildren: Robert Sweeney, Michael Sweeney, Robert Nason, Sierra Nason, William Nason, and Joanne Nason; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Hamilton and Louise Dyer; uncle, Freeman Dyer; daughter-in-law Mellissa Nason; and a granddaughter Christina Pearl Ann Nason.