Patricia A. Woller was born on April 3, 1942 in Fayetteville NC to Truett Wade Kirby and Blanche (Barfield) Kirby. Blanche later married Alfred “Pat” Dugan who she loving referred to as “Dad Dugan”. Patsy graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1960. On a blind date she met and fell in love with Denvert Woller who was in the military, stationed at Fort Bragg. On June 9, 1962, the two were married in Fayetteville, NC and three days later she moved to Merrill with her husband to start a wonderful life. Patsy worked at Hanson Glove in Merrill until the birth of their first child. Patsy then became a stay at home mom and babysat and cared for many children in her home. Patsy’s first venture into the work force after her children were raised, was to take on a position as an outside sales associate at the Merrill Foto News. She would work for the Foto News for over 10 years and make many lifelong friends and it would spark her interest in politics. One of her many passions was singing. She was a member of the Sweet Adelines, Harmony and Lace and the Trinity Church Choir. Her love of flowers and gardening excelled her to be one of the original members who started the Merrill Flower program to beautify our city. In 1986 she ran for the City Council District 6 as an alderperson and won, a position she would hold for six years. With this position she would serve on many boards. She was also elected by fellow Council persons as the City Council President and served in that capacity for two years. When the current mayor was out with health concerns she would perform her duty as the Council President and serve as the acting mayor. In 1992 Patsy Woller was elected and became the first female Mayor of Merrill. She would serve as Mayor for six years. Patsy and Denvert then opened an Ice cream/sandwich shop called “The Grand Stand” located on Grand Ave. During this time Patsy and a friend decided Merrill should have its own legal newspaper and started the Merrill Courier. During this time Patsy also published two books: “The Dogs of Merrill” and “The Pets of Merrill”. Proceeds from the books were donated to the Humane Society. Patsy’s next venture was the confectionary “Patsy’s Candy Tree” where she put lots of smiles on the faces of the young and old alike. Because politics was in her blood, Patsy ran and was elected to serve on the Lincoln County Board for District 6. She served in that capacity for 17 years until she retired from politics. With the love of children still in her heart, she found happiness working at Trinity with their Afterschool Care Program. Being passionate about serving people led her to her final position as the morning hostess at the AmericInn in Merrill. Patsy loved sharing the highlights of her community as much as learning about the visitors. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, GG, sister and friend. Patsy loved her cottage time, Christmas, flower gardening, fishing, the ocean, the Packers, singing, her dogs, her community and especially her family and grandchildren.
On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, Patricia A. Woller, while residing at Bell Tower Residence, was called to her eternal home with Jesus. She is survived by her husband Denvert Woller, daughter Robin (Rich) Grenfell, son Brad (Tammy) Woller, daughter Melissa Woller (Keith), stepson Mark (Debra) Woller, grandchildren: Jason (Tiffany) Woller, Ross (Lisa) Grenfell, Raena (Zach) Grisa, Lexi (Isaac) Buntrock, Sarah Woller (Noah) and Croix Woller, great grandchildren: Leia, Evelynn, Mira, Leona & Grayden. She is also survived by her sister Mary Alice (John) Gallagher, Milton MA, half-brother Joel (Ellen) Dugan, Richmond VA, sister-in-law Betty Kirby, Fayetteville, NC and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother Michael Kirby, half- brother Albert Dugan and infant daughter Vicky Lynn.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made to the City of Merrill c/o Woller Community Donations. A memorial service for Patsy will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Saturday at the church. Social distancing will be observed and face masks are required to attend. The memorial service will be live streamed on the Trinity Lutheran Church Merrill Facebook page. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com