Merilyn Truxal Obituary

Dr. Merilyn Ruth (Davis) Truxal, 83, formerly of Greensburg, passed away peacefully in the loving care of family on May 19, 2025. She was born in Indiana in 1941. She received her music degree from Indiana University and her master's and doctorate in early childhood education administration from Nova University in Florida. She was the owner of Truxal Learning Center in Greensburg for 35 years. She also taught psychology at the University of Pittsburgh in later years. She was a lifelong learner as well as an educator. She was active in both church and community, directing choirs, helping establish refugees, working at summer camps, and developing food pantries. She loved to camp, sail, bike ride, kayak, and read, and valued time with family and friends. After retiring, she traveled internationally to places such as India, Peru, France, Italy, and Turkey. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Pauline Davis; her brother, David Davis; and her son-in-law, David Ward. She is survived by her sister, Joyce Burkett (Richard); her sister-in-law, Mary Grandelis; and her two daughters, Tracy (Lenny) Bulgarelli of Plum and Jennifer Truxal Ward of Utah. Merilyn was the grandmother of Eric (Jess) Yocca, Alan (Jessica) Yocca, Luke Yocca, Kira Kiggins, Kasey Kiggins, T.R. (Bryly) Ward, and Rebecca Ward. She was also great-grandmother to Ava Yocca and Sophie Salmond and aunt to Scott Burkett and Amy Starenchak. Merilyn's wish was to be cremated. There will be a private memorial with her family at a future date. If desired, donations can be made to Inova Heart and Vascular at Inova Alexandria Hospital in Virginia: 4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304.