Merlie Justine (DeVault) Hart, 85, of Leon, WV, passed into the arms of her Savior on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at her home. She was born November 14, 1938, in Leon, a daughter of the late Elzie and Grace (Wheeler) DeVault. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sisters, Avalee Snyder, Mary Stewart, Eva Durst, Willie Eileen DeVault, Joan Legg, Pauline Hoschar, Louise DeVault, Margaret Cain; brothers, Blaine DeVault and Thurman DeVault; and two infant sisters; and grandson, Harold Otis Matheny, Jr.

Merlie attended Harvey Chapel Church, in Leon, and was a children's Sunday School teacher for over 40 years. She was a 4-H leader for the Busy 4's 4-H Club since 1980, and received her 30-year certificate in 2013. She was a Republican Committee person since 1998 and she loved working the booth at the Mason County Fair. She started working at the WV State Farm Museum at age 70 and before that she volunteered for years. She was also an election booth poll worker for Mason County for many years.

Merlie is survived by her husband of 66 years, Allen Hart; daughters, Velva (Harold) Matheny, of Leon, Lottie (late Herschal) Estep, of Ashton, Allena (Jeff) Livingston and Hallie (Randy) Roach, all of Leon; grandkids, Grace (Jon) Hair, Kim (Trent) Schoonover, Daniel (Kim) Matheny, Chris Matheny, Melvin (Skye) Matheny, David (Jessica) Livingston, Thomas (Christina) Livingston, Allen (Makayla) Roach; 15 great-grandkids; 10 great-great grandkids; and siblings, Dottie (Sampy) Hart, Walter DeVault, Paul DeVault.

There will be a funeral service at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, June 2, 2024, at the Crow-Hussell Funeral Home, with Rev. Doug Mitchell and Pastor Bob Patterson officiating. Burial will follow in Roseberry Cemetery, in Leon. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. You may offer condolences via this webpage.