Merrlyn J Schoville

OREGON - Merrlyn June Schoville, 95, of Oregon, Wis., passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on June 15, 1930, in Tomah, Wis., the third daughter of Guy and Ethel Mitchell. Hers was a close and loving family of sisters, Phyllis (Lee) Lisenby, Faye (Elmer) Alexander and Rita (James) Faith. She attended schools in Shennington, Monroe County, and later in Viroqua after the family relocated there. She graduated from Viroqua High School in 1947 and attended Vernon County Normal School before her marriage.

Merrlyn married Keith N. Schoville of Soldiers Grove, Wis., on September 17, 1949, and together they celebrated 76 years of marriage - a lifetime partnership built on faith, devotion, and an unshakable commitment to one another and their family. She was the mother of five children, Kenneth (Pam) Schoville of Hazelhurst, Wis., Mary (Bruce) Kissinger of Appleton, Wis., Harley (Sandy) Schoville of Waterford, Wis., John Schoville of Verona, Wis., and Robert (Meltem) Schoville of Madison, Wis. She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose gentle influence shaped each of them in lasting ways.

At the time of her death, she was grandmother to eight grandchildren, Sarah (Ash) Kyrie, Samantha (Zubeir) Haroun, Candace (Cody) Burckhardt, Jessi (Sarilis) Schoville, Erik Schoville, Ryan Schoville, Olivia Schoville and Leonard Schoville, and great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren, Finn, Ahimsa, and Mesa Kyrie, Callum Burckhardt, Ali and Selma Haroun, and Lawson and Isa Schoville.

Merrlyn devoted her early years of married life to raising her children and supporting Keith through his pursuit of higher education. She worked for many years in food service with the Oregon Public Schools, retiring after a career of quiet and faithful service to her community. In retirement, Merrlyn found great joy tending her garden, a thriving apple orchard, and caring for a beloved menagerie of animals, including Mo and Jo, her much-loved donkeys who became familiar favorites in Oregon, and that became as much a part of her identity as her famous asparagus patch. She was a steadfast supporter of the Oregon Senior Center and gave generously of her time visiting and assisting elderly neighbors in the village and at Oregon Manor. Her commitment to the Oregon community was further honored through the Merrlyn J. Schoville Improvement Award, established in her name at Oregon High School to recognize and support at-risk students who demonstrate meaningful personal growth.

Faith was the cornerstone of Merrlyn's life. She was a faithful and beloved member of Westwood Christian Church in Madison, Wis., where she was known for her warmth, steadiness, and grace.

Merrlyn is survived by her devoted husband, Keith; her five children and their families; and a host of relatives, friends, and community members whose lives she quietly and permanently enriched. She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Ethel Mitchell; and her beloved sisters Phyllis, Faye and Rita.

A funeral service will be held at WESTWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 5210 Odana Road, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. A luncheon will follow the service, with details to be announced at the church.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Agrace HospiceCare and all caregivers whose compassionate service blessed Merrlyn and Keith in her final years. Memorials may be directed to Westwood Christian Church, 5210 Odana Rd., Madison, WI 53711.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515