Mary Ann Merrill, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away in her home with dignity on October 18, 2022, surrounded by her loving husband and admiring children. She was 89.

Mary Ann was born February 6, 1933, the second daughter of Fred and Virginia Haitz of Sioux City, Iowa. She was an exemplary student and popular with her peers. Mary Ann cherished her mid-west upbringing but fell in love with Colorado during her family travels as a young girl. Mary Ann attended the University of Colorado at Boulder (her favorite place) where she was graduated with a degree in Education. While living in the Theta sorority house in Boulder, she met Dale Tooley and they married in 1956. Mary Ann taught elementary school in Boulder before the couple moved to Denver where they raised four children and enjoyed a community of close, creative, and active friends. Dale Tooley lost a battle with cancer in 1985. Mary Ann then pursued further studies at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver and was an avid and curious reader and thinker. She was joyful, intelligent, graceful, thoughtful, and widely loved and admired. Mary Ann was also unselfish, courteous, direct, tasteful, and supremely empathetic. In a word, she was lovely.

In 1989 Mary Ann married M. Stanley Merrill, affectionately known to the blended family as Stan or "GrandStan." She loved her two stepdaughters like her own. The couple traveled often (including to their second home, "Rose Cottage" in Derbyshire, England). They also enjoyed great friendships in reading, film, and essay groups, and appreciated Denver's vibrant art, music, and cultural offerings. Most of all, Mary Ann loved and nurtured her family who will miss her dearly and remember her always.

She is survived by her husband, Stan Merrill; sons, Patrick Tooley (Beth Wehner), Keith Tooley (Ina Katich), Brian Tooley, daughter Kyla Reed (Jeff Reed); stepdaughters Lauren Still (Michael), and Margot Fernandez; grandchildren Drew Tooley (Lindsey), Lauren Tooley, Annie Warsofsky (David), Neil Tooley, Jackson Reed, Scott Reed, Michael Tooley, Nell Tooley, and Dylan Tooley; great grandchildren Stella Tooley-Ciarvella, Vinny Tooley-Ciarvella, Aspen Tooley, Dayne Warsofsky, and Pippa Warsofsky; step grandchildren Sophie Still, Alejandro Fernandez, and Story Fernandez; and step great grandchildren Jordynn Hudson and Jace Hudson. She was preceded in death by husband Dale Tooley, daughter-in-law Diane Tooley, and sister Fritzie Kulp.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family suggests charitable contributions in her name to Death with Dignity National Center or Denver Botanic Gardens .

A celebration of life is being planned. Please check back.