Merle Dean Leach – Squirrel, daughter of Sequoyah Leach, Sr. and Pauline (Beamer) Leach, was born on March 3, 1959 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and departed this life on Sunday, February 3, 2013 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma at the age of 53 years and 11 months.

She loved spending time with her family and friends. Merle had a beautiful smile and was a wonderful lady. She enjoyed taking care of her family and home. Merle will be deeply missed by her family.

Preceding her in death were her parents: Sequoyah and Pauline Leach, sister: Janice Lee Cooksey, brother: Leonard George Leach, brother: Dennis Ray Leach, niece: Krissy Elaine Cooksey, nephew: Gordon Wayne Shell.

Those remaining to keep her memory, her husband: Wiki Jim Squirrel, of the home in Bunch, OK, children: Joe Squirrel, Johnny Squirrel, Jolynn Squirrel, of Bunch, Stacey Smith and husband Chris, grandchildren: Lakoda Smith, Caliesta Smith, Trey Smith, Kaden Smith and Tate Smith, sisters: Peggy Newman and husband Thomas, Vicki Balderas and husband Chanel, Cheryl Christie and husband Leroy, Mary Littledeer and husband Leo, all of Stilwell, brothers: Sequoyah Leach, Jr, aunt: Melinda Chuculate.

Funeral services at 1 pm on Friday, February 8, 2013 at Echota Baptist Church, Stilwell, Ok with Ellis Foster officiating. Interment follows at Echota Cemetery.