Delma Erlene (Merrick) Wallace 91, of Havana, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on May 9, 2026. Erlene was born May 29, 1934, in Lamesa, TX to Robert and Thelma Merrick.

Before moving to Arkansas, Erlene was raised in her beloved Causey, New Mexico, where the wide-open plains, strong western values, close knit family ties, and her family's love of horses became part of who she was and remained cherished throughout her life. Mom used to laugh and tell us that folks said her dad must have been part horse and part man because of the way he related to, loved, and cared for his horses.

Erlene graduated high school from Magazine, Arkansas and she cherished her Rattler classmates and faithfully kept in touch with them throughout the years, holding each of them close to her heart; few class reunions could ever match the lifelong bond shared by the Class of 1952.

In 1955, she married Tony "Wayne" Wallace of Havana, and together they shared more than 70 years of marriage until his passing in 2024. They began their life together in Mother's hometown of Causey, New Mexico, where they owned and operated Causey Hardware while starting their family.

After returning to Arkansas in 1966, Erlene made her home on the family farm, where she lovingly raised her children while helping care for chickens, cattle, dairy cows, and the countless stray animals her children brought home. Mother's greatest joy was caring for her children, supporting them in every stage of life, and faithfully attending their many basketball and softball games and activities. And just as deeply as she loved her children, she fiercely loved her grandchildren.

As a member of Moores Chapel for most of her life, she considered her church family a true blessing and counted it an honor to serve there as the church pianist for decades, sharing her faith, kindness, and love through music and fellowship.

Mother lived her life with quiet strength, unwavering morals, and genuine kindness, setting a beautiful Christian example for everyone who knew her. She believed deeply in treating others with respect, grace, and compassion, and she generously gave her time and heart to those in need throughout her community. Mother was truly beloved by so many, and even today, we continue to hear stories of her kindness, warm spirit, and wonderful sense of humor that brought joy and comfort to others. And, of course, no one could forget her sweet little giggle, it was so contagious that if Mother started laughing, everyone else usually ended up laughing right along with her.

She also dearly loved flowers, and her yard was always filled with something beautiful in bloom, making springtime visits home especially memorable and one of the family's most cherished sights each year.

Mother truly loved being a homemaker and caring for her family, faithfully preparing nutritious and delicious meals that brought everyone together around the table. She loved showing her care through food and always made sure to have everyone's favorite waiting when family came to visit, whether it was her Mexican Chicken, angel food cake, fried pies, Mexican punch, or one of her legendary cobblers. Not to mention, her cookie jar was famously never empty, making every visit feel extra special and full of love. Summers were made even sweeter by the fresh garden vegetables she helped Dad grow and harvest.

Mother came from a family of talented seamstresses and lovingly made beautiful clothes for her girls, often adorned with many, many ruffles. We may laugh about them now, but we wore them proudly, and she was always happy to sit down at her sewing machine whenever someone needed something special.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert & Thelma Merrick, husband, Tony "Wayne" Wallace, brothers, Guy and Hank Merrick, sisters, Dorothy Kirchoff and Thelma "Roberta" Merrick.

Survivors include her 5 children, Michael (Kathy) Wallace, Cheryl Beatty, Darrell Wallace, Robert Wallace, and Rachel (Craig) Stokenbury, grandsons, Jason (Loretta) Wallace, Josh (Freda) Wallace, Jordan (Melanie) Wallace, Jason (Becca) Selby, granddaughter, Jennifer (Nathan) Dinsmore, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the many family members, friends, and loved ones who meant so much to Mother throughout her life, as she dearly cherished each and every one of you.

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at  Cornwell Funeral Home in Danville, Arkansas. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Moores Chapel in Waveland. Burial will follow at Moores Chapel Cemetery. The church fellowship hall will be open following the burial for friends and family to gather

Pallbearers will be the Belleville Volunteer Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers you can send donations to Moores Chapel Cemetery:  c/o Larry Harger, 10272 Harger Lane, Havana, AR 72842

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home Danville