The daughter of William Arthur and Ruth Edgar Patton was born on March 20, 1941 in Thomas, Oklahoma. She lived there until moving to Oklahoma City around the age of 10. Later she would attend Southeast High School graduating with the class of 1959. After graduating Merry quickly began her working career. She began by working as a secretary in the insurance industry. Over the next few years, Merry's work would bring her to the Tulsa area. It was while in Tulsa that she first met Frank Wells. They would marry on July 21, 1973 in Tulsa. A short time later they purchased a small farm in Big Cabin. It was after this move that she began working in the banking industry in Claremore at what is now Rogers County Bank. The bank was more than just a job for Merry. After the passing of Frank, her banking coworkers were always close by her side. Eventually it was also at the bank that she would meet Phil Smith. They married September 30th, 1996 in Claremore.
In her spare time Merry had many hobbies and past times. She loved being a part of the First United Methodist Church. She also enjoyed traveling, especially going to Hawaii and on several cruises. However, when she was home if she wasn't on the phone with her family, you could find her reading, knitting, quilting or just relaxing listening to music. She also enjoyed meeting her coffee group of friends every morning and her Merry Widows group for game nights and having brunch after church each week.
She is preceded in death by husbands Frank Wells and Phil Smith, parents, William and Ruth, and brothers, Robert and Clifford Patton.
Survivors include her brother, Stan Patton; sisters, Arlie Ruth Newton and Joan Anderson; nieces and nephews, Cheri Newman, Lyndon Patton, Janna Hall, Eric and Chris Anderson, Vicki Renshaw, Cameron Patton, Joyce Myers, Gene and Gary Newton, Gail Newton-Langford, Shannon Gottschalk and Matt Davidson; step-children, Steve, Nick and Kim Smith, along with many other great nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.