Merry Ann Holotik Chenoweth

The wonderful and productive life of Merry Ann Holotik Chenoweth came to a close on Thursday, January 5, 2017. She slipped from her home here in Tyler to her new address in the heavens with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Merry Ann was the middle child of Margaret (Maggie) Fleener McPeak and James William McPeak. One of eight children, born in Rosemont, Illinois on March 4, 1919, she spent her young life on the beaches of Florida’s Fernandina beach. When her father’s job brought the family to Texas she met and married the love of her life, Lonnie Holotik. In 1944 Lonnie and Merry Ann moved to Tyler where they raised six children. The family has grown to 23 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Merry Ann was an active and dedicated volunteer. Her many service endeavors include the Symphony League, the Tyler Civic Coral, Co-founder of the Children’s Theater, the Coterie of Performing Arts, volunteer at Mother Frances Hospital, board member of the East Texas Cancer Hospital and the Smith County Medical Society. Merry Ann and Lonnie were honored to be members of the Founding Board for Hollytree Country Club. With a vision for prayer, in 1983 she, Tom Ramey, III and Charlie Featherston brought the National Day of Prayer to Tyler. Merry Ann also served on the executive board of the Louis Palau Crusade, board member of Youth with A Mission and Don Anderson Ministries and was an active member of the Salvation Army. As a lifelong supporter of Campus Crusade for Christ, she worked to bring the Jesus Film to all corners of the globe. She, along with her husband, Lonnie Holotik, were one of the founders of Trinity Lutheran Church and School. She served as President of the Metropolitan Zone of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, as well as president of the Tyler LWML. Her love for her family and music dominated her life performing as a soloist and choir member of Trinity Lutheran Church until 2010. Merry Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie in 1981 and wed Carlon Val Chenoweth in 1986. She is survived by her children, Merry Jayne and Earl Davis of Bullard, Lonnie Ray and Gail Holotik of Dallas, Rosie and Charlie Waters of Dallas, Debbie and Larry Bell of Bullard, Jim and Peggy Holotik of Dallas, Patsy and John Burke of Delray Beach, Florida and John and Pam Chenoweth of Overland Park, Kansas. Our hearts are filled with joy knowing that our mother is reunited with her husband Lonnie, grandson, Jon Cody Waters, belated husband, Val Chenoweth, step-daughter, Tracy Ortiz and countless loved ones and dear friends who have gone before. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2001 Hunter Street in Tyler, under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family is asking memorials be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, 2001 Hunter St., Tyler, Texas 75701, Youth with a Mission, 20131 FM 16, Lindale, Texas 75771, Mercy Ships, P.O. Box 1930, Lindale, Texas 75771 or Campus Crusade for Christ for the ministry of Ken and Susan Heckman, 100 Lake Hart Drive, Orlando, Florida 32832.

Merry Ann Holotik Chenoweth

March 4, 1919 - January 5, 2017