Fern Elizabeth Merchant, 81, of DeRidder, Louisiana passed from this life on Friday, December 23, 2011 at Beauregard Memorial Hospital.

Fern is survived by two daughters, Peggy Peavy & husband Leslie of Rosepine, Louisiana and Betty Banks & husband Ronnie of DeRidder.  She is also survived by one brother Arthur Temple of DeRidder, a sister Shirley T. Moss & husband “Dub” of DeRidder, 3 grandchildren, Liz Dronet & husband Ruben of Moss Bluff, David Peavy & wife, Stacie of DeRidder and Matthew Peavy of DeRidder and 3 great grandchildren, Joey Dronet and Katlyn & Kaylee Peavy. Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin C. Merchant, her parents, Matt & Aline Temple and two brothers, Matt Temple, Jr and Charles “Rusty” Temple.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, December 26, 2011 at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, Louisiana and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 also at the funeral home. Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder.  The Reverends Lindsay Burns and Greg Crawford will officiate.  Burial will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder, Louisiana.