Obituary for Jan Fiedler

Jan Marlene Merrifield Fiedler

April 7, 1937 – May 28, 2023

Jan M. West Merrifield Fiedler, resident of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away at her home on May 28th, 2023 surrounded by her family and friends.

Jan was born on April 7, 1937 to Rolla & Julia West in Duncan, OK. Her family moved several times in her grade school years. She attended schools in Tuttle, OK., Kansas City, KS., Rantoul, IL., Amarillo, TX., and Ponca City, OK., graduating with the class of 1955. She attended Pasadena Playhouse Acting School in Pasadena, CA. for 2 years.

After she returned to Ponca City, OK. She was employed by Dr. L. Levern Merrifield in his orthodontic practice. On October 5th, 1967 she married Dr. Merrifield in Ponca City, OK. To this union was born 1 child, Shawn Lea Merrifield. Dr. Merrifield passed away on January 15, 2000.

In 1985 Jan saw a need for a safe place for junior high and high school kids to congregate after school. With the help of many volunteers she started and managed Grand Central Station at 5th & Central. She worked to keep it a successful operation from 1985 to 1999. She passed the responsibilities on in 1999 to care for her husband when his health started to fail. After Levern’s passing, she stayed busy managing the ranch.

In February of 2006 Jan decided to pursue her interest in dancing again. She reluctantly started to go to the Rockin’ Horse with her own set of rules. It was there she met her future husband, Gerald Fiedler. After a year of dancing and casual conversation, a relationship began to develop. A year of dating led to a proposal, and after a year of engagement they were wed on March 7, 2009.

Jan was a kind, generous, loving soul. She was quick to assist those less fortunate and encourage those who had fallen upon hard times. She never said an unkind word against anyone.

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

Jan was a long-time member of First Christian Church in Ponca City. She taught Sunday School for many years. She funded numerous projects at the church throughout the years. She also supported the Dearing House, the Child Development Center, the Ponca City Camp Fire Organization and the Red Rose Chapter of the Ponca City Garden Club with time, talent and financial support.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents Rolla & Julia West and her first husband Dr. L. Levern Merrifield. She is survived by her husband Gerald of the home, brother Ronald of Thailand, daughter Shawn Lea Lessert of OKC, sister and brother-in-law Terri Ann and Paul Hadley of Ponca City, son-in-law Wade Lessert of OKC, grandsons Nathan Lessert of OKC and Patrick Hadley of Corinth, TX. Granddaughters Linen Linder of Richardson, TX. and Lauren Meador of Ponca City, great grandson Braxton Miller, great granddaughter’s Emersyn Lesseert, Lucy Linder, and Brooke Hanohano.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma or the First Christian Church of Ponca City, OK, in memory of Jan. M. Fiedler.

Source: Trout Funeral Home