Merle Boone

Loretta Ramerle Boone, 87, of Peachland, passed away Monday, April 5, 2021 at Pruitt Health-Union Pointe in Monroe.

Merle was born September 16, 1933 in Stanly County, North Carolina to the late Wilbur Spurgeon Efird and the late Ila Belle Carpenter Efird. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Henry A. Boone; brother, Wilbur Efird; sister, Sybil McIntyre; nephew, Phil McIntyre; and son-in-law, Ed Stepnoski.

Merle will lie-in-state at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am - 10:45 am, Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Aquadale Baptist Church. The graveside service will follow on Thursday at 11:00 am at Aquadale Baptist Church Cemetery 32871 Church Rd, Norwood.

Survivors include daughters, Missi (Don) Williams of Peachland, NC, and Lydia Boone Stepnoski of Fuquay Varina, NC; grandchildren, Meredith Williams, Allison Stepnoski, and Kevin Stepnoski; brother, Roger (Anne) Efird; nephew, Michael Efird; sister-in-law, Zannie Efird; niece, Shannon Adkins; and brother-in-law, G.E. McIntyre.

Merle loved music and was the organist for Aquadale Baptist Church for 70 years. She also enjoyed her career at the Concord Telephone Company where they were like family to her. After her retirement, when Merle lost her husband, she adapted quickly to farm life and found joy in yard work, mowing the lawn, planting flowers, and just being in the country. Merle's favorite thing was spending time with her daughters and grandchildren cooking, eating, and watching Disney movies.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Aquadale Baptist Church Music Fund at 14055 Carpenter Road, Norwood, NC 28128.