Obituary of Merrill Dean Smalley

Merrill D. Smalley, 78 of Ankeny, formerly of North Liberty and Coralville passed suddenly and unexpectedly on May 10, 2011 in Coralville, Iowa. Memorial Services will be held at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, May 15, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in North Liberty with the Reverend Doug Williams officiating. Visitation will be after 4pm Sunday until services and again following the services at the church. Masonic Memorial Services will be held on Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. A memorial fund has been established in his memory to the Degowan Blood Center at the UIHC c/o Uniersity of Iowa Foundation. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @www.gayandciha.com Merrill was a caring and giving man, always hungry for new experiences. He was born in New Virginia, Iowa on October 27, 1932 the son of Richard and Newella Smalley. After graduating from New Virginia High School, Merrill attended Iowa State University and wrestled collegiately while participating in ROTC. After graduation from Iowa State University, Merrill served his country as an Army Captain in the Southeast United States and in Europe. Merrill married Florine Mae Borton on December 18, 1954, in Nevada, Iowa. Merrill and Florine raised their four children in the Iowa City area. After obtaining his Juris Doctor Degree at the University of Iowa, Merrill served his country for another twenty years as an attorney for the IRS. Following his retirement from the Federal Government, Merrill took on the challenge of the private practice of Law in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After his retirement from the practice of Law, Merrill spent his time farming in the North Liberty area and continued to seek life’s experiences, traveling the world and this country with his wife Florine, extensively. Following the passing of his wife Florine in 2003, he married Norma Thompson and they eventually resided in Ankeny, Iowa. Merrill was very involved with the community and was on the Board of Directors for various organizations, was deeply involved with the Masonic Lodge and a long time member of the Coralville United Methodist Church. He devoutly followed the Iowa Hawkeye men’s and women’s athletic teams where ever they competed. He enjoyed being a master gardener and volunteering to perform deliveries for the UIHC Degowan Blood Center and the Blood Ceneter of Iowa in Des Moines. Merrill was also very proud that he was involved in helping to pioneer the development of ethanol production in Iowa. Merrill now begins his last and greatest adventure from this earth as he meets the Lord. Merrill is survived by his wife Norma (Thompson) Smalley, of Ankeny, IA; brother Stan (Marsha) Smalley of San Ramone, CA; sons David (Vickie) Smalley, of Florence MS; Lowell Smalley of Pueblo, CO; Greg (Wendy) Smalley of Cedar Rapids, IA; daughter Diana (Jeff) Smalley Voyek of Steamboat Springs, CO; grandchildren Sandra (Scott) Wangen of Florence, MS; Dominique Smalley of Richland MS; Brandon Smalley and Ryan Smalley of Iowa City, IA; step-grandchildren Corey Voyek, Tyson Voyek, Joe Zimmerman, Krista Fisher; and great-grandchildren Katrina, Wesley, Sierra and Clarissa. Merrill was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Newella Smalley; and wife, Florine Mae (Borton) Smalley. Merrill will be missed by all that loved him and the many people he has helped over the many years in the local community. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Merrill’s family and his services.