Merle Ables Brown, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away peacefully, Sunday, December 23, 2012, at 8:15 P.M., in the John Paul II Nursing Home, in Kenedy, Texas, at the age of 81 years, 5 months and 6 days.

Merle was born July 17, 1931 in Kenedy, Texas, the daughter of Leonard Ables, Sr. and Effie Pullin Ables. On July 3, 1948, Merle married Earle B. Brown, in Karnes City, Texas. After over 55 years of marriage, Earle preceded Merle in death on December 8, 2003. Merle was an active member of the First Baptist Church Kenedy where she faithfully served the Lord.

Merle is survived by her daughters, Karen Segovia and husband Manuel of Beeville, Texas, Christy Rowley and husband Craig of Las Vegas, Nevada and Grace Hammack and husband Kevin of Victoria, Texas; her sons, Kelly Brown and wife Christine of Phoenix, Arizona and James Brown and wife Jody of Kenedy, Texas. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; her sister, Catherine Braun and husband Charlie of Victoria, Texas and her brother, Leonard Ables, Jr., and wife Ruth of Kenedy, Texas. Ms. Brown is preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation was held, Wednesday, December 26, 2012, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel, Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services began at 3:00 P.M., Thursday, December 27, 2012, at First Baptist Church Kenedy, with Rev. Tim Williams officiating. Interment followed in the Kenedy Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were, Aaron Brown, Matthew Brown, J.B. Self, Pierce Hammack, Kevin Hammack and Craig Rowley.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the First Baptist Church Kenedy, Texas or the John Paul II Nursing Home.