Woodward, Oklahoma - Roxy Ann Merklin died peacefully on January 2, 2025, at her residence in Edmond. A celebration of her life will be held at the First Methodist Church in Woodward on Friday, January 10 at 2:00 p.m.

Roxy Ann Ganes was born August 5, 1946, in Woodward, OK, the first child of Clay and Thelma Ganes. After a few years on the family ranch near Freedom, the family moved to Woodward in the late 40's, and other than a few years in Oklahoma City, Roxy grew up in Woodward, established her family in Woodward, and spent the majority of her teaching career at Woodward High School. She was inducted into the Woodward High School Hall of Fame in 2022.

Roxy was always attracted to artistic expression, and in the 5th grade at Oak Park Elementary, she decided that she would become an art educator. She always credited Mr. Barnett, her art teacher at Woodward Junior High School, for encouraging her love of art.

Roxy graduated from Woodward High School with the Class of 1964. During high school, Roxy was a member of the Methodist Youth Fellowship, Sub Debs service club, Boomer Wagon staff, Pep Club, Student Council, and Future Teachers of America. Roxy was a WHS cheerleader, FTA Sweetheart, Class Favorite and Boomer Basketball Queen.

Roxy attended Oklahoma State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education in January, 1969. Roxy was active in the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, where she served on the Homecoming, Rush, and New Member Committees. As a member of the Cappettes Drill Team at OSU, she performed in many parades and drill competitions. She was also elected to the College of Education Student Council. Roxy returned to higher education in 1973 and completed her Masters in Education at Northwestern OSU.

As a result of the successful matchmaking efforts of her sister Debby and future sister-in-law Marilyn, Roxy began dating Tom Merklin of Mooreland. They married on July 13, 1968, in Woodward and were married for 53 years before Tom's passing in 2021. Their first home was in Mooreland, where Roxy began her education career at Mooreland Public Schools as the art teacher. They welcomed a daughter, Shea Lee, in 1975. Throughout her 37-year teaching career, Roxy was recognized repeatedly for her innovative and creative teaching strategies, even introducing and developing the Advanced Placement Studio Art program at Woodward High School. Her extraordinary efforts earned her many awards and accolades, including the Christa McAuliffe Foundation grant, National Board Certification, Oklahoma Art Educator of the Year, Woodward Teacher of the Year, Oklahoma Foundation of Excellence Secondary Teacher of the Year, and National Secondary Art Teacher of the Year. More important to her than the personal accolades, Roxy inspired many of her students to pursue careers as art teachers or in artistic professions, and she stayed in touch with each of them so that she could continue to mentor and encourage their endeavors. Roxy was an active, involved member of the Woodward community.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served on the Board of Directors of the Woodward Arts and Theater Council, Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum, and the Woodward Education Foundation. After Roxy's retirement from teaching, she was elected to the Woodward Public School Board, where she served for 8 years, including 2 years as president.

Roxy's family was everything to her; her life revolved around her family and friends. She never missed any of Shea's activities, and she sponsored Pep Club and Cheerleading at WHS so that she could be at all of Shea's cheerleading events. After she retired, she made weekly trips to OKC to see her grandkids, who were the absolute center of her universe. She loved painting with them, reading countless books, traveling, and spoiling them beyond measure. After Tom's passing, she moved to Edmond to be closer to her daughter and grandkids.

Her adventurous spirit inspired a love of traveling, and her favorite trips were to Italy, Paris, NYC, and the mountains. Wherever she was, she found the art; whether in museums or galleries or parks, she never missed an opportunity to expand her family and friends' appreciation of the beauty of the visual arts. Throughout her life, Roxy was an avid OSU fan. She and Tom attended most all OSU sporting events, and traveling with the Cowboys to bowls and tournaments took them all over the United States. Roxy had a big circle of girlfriends. Together they traveled, attended concerts and plays, played bridge and canasta, solved many of life's problems over coffee and wine, and enjoyed each other's company immensely.

Roxy was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Merklin; her parents, Clay and Thelma Ganes, and her brother Greg Ganes.

She is survived by her daughter, Shea Adamson and husband Jamie Adamson of Edmond; grandchildren Avery and Alex of Edmond; sister Debby Stine of Edmond; and many other treasured family members.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Woodward Community Foundation Roxy Merklin Art Education Fund to support arts programs in the Woodward Public Schools. Billings Funeral Home (1621 Downs Avenue, Woodward, OK 73801) will facilitate the contributions on behalf of the family.

To honor Roxy's "colorful" life, the family requests that all who plan to attend her service wear bright colors.

Remembrances may be shared online at www.billingsfuneralhomewoodward.com