Merle Dean Cuevas

Merle Dean Ladner Cuevas, 78, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on February 3, 2024. Born on February 12, 1945, in Harrison County, Mississippi, to Purvis Joseph Ladner and Permelia “Jack” Cuevas Ladner, she was a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother to her extensive family. Merle found joy in country living and embraced the great outdoors, indulging in activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, and sports. Her boundless love and care for others will be deeply missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Purvis and Permelia “Jack” Ladner; daughter-in-law, Regina Cuevas; and siblings, Levell Ladner, Revernal Ladner (Peggy), Austin Ladner, Ernest Ladner, Garvis Ladner, Mary Ann Deschamp (Rueben), and Jason Ladner.

Merle is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years and 9 months, Jarvis James Cuevas; her cherished children, Jeffrey Cuevas (Sidney), Cheryl Ladner (Tony), Tracy Cuevas (Dena), Travis Cuevas, Terrie Cuevas, and Eva Gay McKay (Coy); goddaughters, Ernestine Peterson and Pauline Blackwell; grandchildren, Tara Lizana (Clint), Desmond Cuevas (Brittney), Tyler Berry, Kenric Ladner (Stephanie), Derric Ladner (Shanee), Eric Ladner (Jessica), Brandon Cuevas (Dan), Breanna Cuevas (Kent), Joey Cuevas (Laura), Theresa Crawford (Matt), Shelley Pavolini (Desmond), Tasha Cuevas (Cody), Brett McKay (Patricia), and Kristie Necaise (Kurt); 30 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Additionally, she is survived by her brother, Reginald Ladner; sister, Genevia Necaise; and four sisters-in-law, Joan Ladner, Gloria Ann Ladner, Johnnie Faye Ladner, and Mildred Ladner. Merle also leaves behind numerous other extended family members who will dearly miss her.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 9113 Kiln DeLisle Rd., Pass Christian, MS. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 11:00 am, with visitation from 9:00 am to 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Wolf River Cemetery.

The pallbearers will be Clint Lizana, Desmond Cuevas, Kenric Ladner, Derric Ladner, Eric Ladner, Brandon Cuevas, Jadon Cuevas, and Caden Crawford. Honorary pallbearers will be Brody Cuevas and Brett McKay.

Please visit our website to share a memory, condolence, or photo at www.RiemannFamily.com