Obituary of Merrill L. Soults

Merrill Lorraine “BUD” Soults, 90 years young, graced the heavens Sunday, September 24, 2023, after a brief stay at The Summit, Bettendorf, Iowa leaving behind his wife of 66 years, Arlene Kay Soults.

Bud will be dearly missed by his three children: DeAnn Soults, Davenport; Colette Ciha Soults  (Dan), Coralville and Scott Soults, Bonners Ferry, ID.  Bud’s style of hard work and adventurous spirit carries on within all his grandchildren, Dr. Christine Tripp (Jared Waltisperger), Jessica Dorsey, Justin Soults (Kate), James Patton, Andrew Patton (Haley), Thomas Patton (Devan), Joseph Patton (Rose), Daniel Soults, Adam Ciha (Lisa), Megan Ciha and Elec Ciha-Soults; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Landon, Abe, Mia and Sloan. 

Fondly known through Crescent Cleaners, Burke Cleaners, Davenport Kiwanis, Lindsay Boat Club and RAGBRAI.  Bud will be remembered by his kind heart, warm smile and mechanical abilities as the guy who could “fix anything”.  Bud loved the outdoors boating, biking, fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing, RV traveling, winters in Texas and rock collecting all the way around the world with his lovely wife, Arlene who now resides at The Summit.

Stories of his early farm life abound through the family, where many a tale come from dusty hay lofts, antics with various livestock, and expeditions amid vintage steel machines and a multitude of tractors.

Their little buddy, aka BUD, as his mother, Gertrude and father, Merril from Thornburg, Iowa fondly nick named him, was surely greeted in heaven by all of his siblings:  Harry Soults (Lora Lee), Ardeth Burke (Vince) and Carrol Ann Rolow (Jack); and numerous other family members and friends. 

Arlene invites family and friends to reach out to her at the Summit in Bettendorf.  Family graveside services will be at the Sixteen Cemetery in Thornburg, Iowa, where Merrill Lorraine “BUD” Soults will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Bud’s memory to the Humane Society of Scott County (2802 West Central Park Avenue, Davenport, IA 52804).