Jaxie E. Merchant

Jaxie E. Merchant, daughter of the late Hayward and Ollie (Baney) McGowan, was born March 7, 1930 in Bendavis, Missouri and departed this life June 18, 2016 in Willow Springs, Missouri. She was 86 years, 3 months, and 11 days of age.

Jaxie grew up and attended school in the Bendavis community. She was united in marriage to Alvin C. Merchant on November 25, 1947 in Texas County, Missouri. Two children were born to this union.

Jaxie was a hard worker and made taking care of her family the number one priority in life. She worked at Brown Shoe Company for a few years and drove a school bus for the Mountain Grove School District later in life. She also helped Alvin on their dairy farm for many years.

Jaxie loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed working in her gardens. She also liked to go fishing. She was a great cook and also enjoyed quilting. She loved making quilts for family and friends. She was a kind and caring woman with a warm heart. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Besides her parents, Jaxie was preceded in death by her husband: Alvin Merchant; four brothers: Bud, Wes, Ron, and Pat McGowan; and two sisters: June Riediesel and Charlene Smith.

Jaxie is survived by her son: Stacy Merchant and wife, Virginia, of Green Mountain, Missouri; her daughter: Charlotte Lands and husband, Dennis, of Cabool, Missouri; five grandchildren: Clint Lands, Kristen Hoffman, Kory Merchant, Jared Merchant, and Adam Merchant; seven great-grandchildren: Kailyn Hoffman, Mekenna Hoffman, Ambrea Lands, Isabella Merchant, Sophia Merchant, Mylie Merchant, and Cale Merchant; and by one sister: Nadine Cantrell of Springfield, Missouri.