Merle Otie Segault died peacefully Dec. 9, 2016, with family at her side at Careage of Whidbey.

Born September 17, 1925, to Harry Cross and Nanny Mae Liggett, in Wichita, Kansas, she was the youngest of five children, including her twin brother Erle.

After high school, she moved to San Diego to live with her sister, Frances. There she met Robert Edward Segault and they married September 1, 1950.

As a Navy wife, she moved frequently, including Adak, Alaska, Lemoore, California, Providence, Rhode Island, and finally Oak Harbor, Washington, where she lived from 1969–2007. She earned her AA degree, studied marine biology, enjoyed painting, photography and paper making. She loved to travel; France, Africa, and Hawaii were favorites. She was a member of the Island County Beach Watchers, volunteered at Admiralty Head Lighthouse, and was a bird watcher and trail builder.

In 2007 she moved to Orcas Island, where she attended St. Francis Catholic Church, enjoyed shopping and lunching in Eastsound, and attending many four-generation family gatherings. She is preceded in death by her husband, her son, Terry, daughter-in-law, Julie, and her brothers and sister. She leaves behind sons Bob (Sarah) of Coupeville, Mike, of Eastsound, and Tim (Marsha) of Olga. She is also survived by her grandchildren Matthew (Jolene), JoAnna, James, Joseph (Afton), Rebecca, and nine great-grandchildren.