Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life. ~John Muir A gifted teacher, Meri Ellen St. John Pashilk, sashayed into heaven on November 17, 2005, leaving those who were blessed to know her with their final lesson: How to die with grace, peace, and an unrelenting faith in our merciful God, who keeps His promise of eternal life in heaven. Meri was born on October 21, 1970 in Ft. Worth, Texas, where she later attended Pascal High School. She received a Bachelor's degree from Sul Ross University in 1994. But the greatest treasure she attained in Alpine, Texas was her devoted husband, Vince. Vince and Meri loved each other unconditionally for 11 years, and will be bonded forever by that love through their beautiful children, Julia Rose and Thomas Emerson. Meri was also blessed with , Courtney Leigh and Katie Marie, whom she deeply loved as both daughters and friends. Teaching was not only an occupation for Meri, but a ministry. In the fall of 1999, Meri came to St. Ann's School in Midland, Texas, where she taught seventh grade. Each of her students has been touched by her fervent dedication to education, especially in the sciences. Most importantly, they have grown in profound wisdom of the subjects pertinent to life such as courage, faith, hope, laughter, and compassion. She remained whole-heartedly committed to St. Ann's School, spending her waking moments in the Hospice unit clipping box-tops for education at a dime apiece. Regarded as the Reverend Mother of the Holy Order of the Do-Rag Sisters, helping others while having fun were among Meri's favorite pastimes. Many souls have been delighted by her infinite acts of kindness and her zany antics! To know Meri was to be her friend, and to be her friend was to walk more closely with Christ. She also enjoyed reading, watching movies, knitting, "stuff" shopping, and challenging others to consider the broader understanding of issues related to life as well as the sacred mysteries of the Etch-a-Sketch. Centered in a powerful circle of love, Meri will continue to bind many hearts together. Remaining on earth to celebrate her life are her beloved husband and children, her parents, Betty St. John and Will Miller, and Ken and Christine Liljestrand, her sisters and dear friends Jessica "JJ" Custer and Jennifer Bush and their respective husbands, Aaron and Clay, and families, one brother Jeremy Miller and wife Jennifer, one step-sister Becky Gaitan and husband Gary and family, her mother-in-law Zita Pashilk, brother-in-law John Pashilk and wife Diane and family, sister-in-law Cynthia Wood and husband Bruce and family, another sister-in-law Ann Shavers and her husband Steve and family. These and many others, including her numerous friends from St. Ann's Church and School, Allison Cancer Center, Hospice of Midland, The C. P. Center, and the enduring friends made throughout her life will honor her each day through their service to others.A Rosary service will be held at 3:00 P.M., Sunday, November 20, 2005 at St. Ann's Catholic Church of Midland. Funeral Mass will be at held 11:00 A.M., Monday, November 21, 2005 at St. Ann's Catholic Church with Father Rodney White, pastor, and Monsignor Larry Droll, officiating.Honorary pallbearers will be John Thorkleson, Kirby Castille, Paul Iaquaniello, Jeremy St. John and Paul Castillo.. The family suggests that memorials be made to Allison Cancer Center Gift Fund, 301 North N St. 79701, St. Ann's School Scholarship Fund, 1906 W. Texas, Midland, TX 79701, or Hospice of Midland, P.O. Box 2621, Midland, TX 79701.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
