Merdella Nadine (Miller) Hughes was born June 7, 1940, at the Worley Hospital in Pampa, Texas.
She passed from this life on April 21, 2026, in Canadian, TX at the age of 85. Her parents were Monroe Wright and Martha Lee (Golden) Miller.
Merdella attended Pampa public schools. She served on the Little Harvester Yearbook as staff editor. She was a member of the High School Choir and enjoyed music her entire life. She graduated in the top 10% of her high school class. She was an avid reader and often finished a book in a very short time. Books expanded her view of the world as television was only in its infancy during her childhood. Her dad bought their first black and white TV in 1950. As a small child during WWII, she learned the value of sacrifice at home. Many household items were rationed to support the war effort. Merdella learned to be responsible early in life. She worked for M.E. Moses as a dishwasher at only 13 years old. She saved her money and bought school clothes (of course with some persuasion from her mother). She enjoyed the outdoors while camping and fishing with her family. She loved the beautiful mountains of Colorado and always cherished a trip to see them.
Merdella began her career as a secretary, clerk, and manager. She worked in the offices of Radcliff Supply Co. and Marie Foundations in Pampa. She completed 33 years working as department manager for Kmart, ALCO, and Duckwall’s in Pampa and Borger, TX. She was promoted to Duckwall’s store manager and served stores in Cedar Edge, CO, Ozona, TX, and Elkhart, KS before retiring in 2005, and returning to Pampa. She was civic minded and volunteered as Girl Scout Den Mother, Desk and Derrick secretary, Heart Association, and Harvest House. She loved her various cats over the years and took excellent care of them. She enjoyed cruise ships and meeting new people. She never met a stranger and could easily keep the conversation going. She followed current events with Fox News being her favorite news station.
Merdella was the keeper of the family and worried about the family so much no one else needed to bother. Her love and influence will be greatly missed. She endured the hardest personal times and did not complain.She handed down mental toughness and perseverance to her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Richard Miller of Missouri.
Merdella is survived by her sister, Dawna Phillips of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughter Connie Williams and husband, Randall of Pampa; son, Darryl Hughes of Pampa; son, Brent Hughes and wife, Linda of Pampa. Grandchildren are Jared Floyd and wife, Amber of Pampa, Ryan Hughes and wife, Amanda of Midland, Andrea Hughes of Pampa, and Brian J. Scott Hughes. She is also survived by great-grandchildren, Madison Floyd and husband, Keenan Thomason, Theodore Hughes and Emerson Hughes. Two great-great grandchildren are Bailee and Paislee of Pampa. Also, a dear childhood cousin, Jean Dozier, from Oklahoma as well as her favorite niece, Torri Brunkhorst and her family from Missouri.
Celebration of Life Graveside services are pending at this time. The family has entrusted Winegeart Funeral Home with the cremation care of their loved one.
The family kindly suggest memorials be made to Pampa Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), PO Box 2095, Pampa, Tx 79065.
The family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Mesa View Senior Living (Cottonwood Cottage) and Hemphill County Hospice in Canadian, Texas. The staff provided excellent care and true compassion for our mother. We cannot thank you enough.
Please visit www.winegeartfuneral.com to share comfort and sympathies for the family on Merdella’s Book of Memories.
