Meridel "Happy" Lingo

Meridel Ruth Lingo “Happy”, daughter of Paul Martin Clark Dilley and Dorothy Maud (Cary) Dilley was born February 5, 1938, in Springfield, Missouri, and departed this life October 11, 2024, in her home in Seymour, Missouri, at the age of 86.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Dilley and Dorothy Buchanan; great-grandson, Noah Auwarter; brothers, Cary Buchanan and David Dilley; and nephew, Ivan Buchanan.

“Happy” is survived by a son, Dennis Lingo and wife, Teresa, of Seymour, Missouri; 5 daughters, Debi Muse and husband, Henry, of Waynesville, Missouri, Kelly and Randy, of Bolivar, Missouri, Cindy Cantrell and husband, David, of Ava, Missouri, Kerry Choate and husband, Dickie, of Seymour, Missouri, and Tammy Ano Nuevo and husband, Ben, of Sparta, Missouri; 20 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Cheri Hutchins of the State of Washington; 3 brothers, Terry Dilley and wife, Gloria, of the State of Alaska, Mike Dilley and wife, Jansen, of Fulton, Missouri, and Ricky Buchanan of the country of Spain; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was born in Springfield where she attended Central High School. She graduated from high school in Japan, where her father was stationed while serving in the United States Air Force. She worked for many years as a developmental assistant for the Missouri Department of Mental Health retiring in 2001. She has made her home in Seymour since 2009.

“Happy” made a profession of faith in Christ and she loved the Lord and her family dearly.

In her spare time, she enjoyed playing board games, crocheting, knitting, and quilting.

Meridel Lingo “Happy”, was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and a caring neighbor and friend. We have many special memories together that we will always cherish.