Mary Ellen Frazier

Mary Ellen Frazier (nee Merwin), a woman of deep love, rich memory and enduring grace, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy steeped in family, friendship and faith. She was born on December 20, 1929, in St. Mary’s Hospital in Pueblo, Colorado, to Gladys Rose Hayden, “Buba” and Frank Govan Merwin, “Daddy Frank”.

Mary Ellen’s roots ran deep. She was named for her maternal grandmother, Mary Ellen Burg Hayden Hurst, and was the first child in her family, arriving just days before Christmas. Born weighing only four pounds, her first holiday was spent in the hospital, cradled by warmth, love, and a tiny Christmas tree brought by her father—a symbol of the cherished life that would follow.

Her early life was filled with affection and guidance from her parents, grandparents, and many aunts and uncles. Especially dear to her was her uncle, William Lister Merwin, “Irvin”, who was a loving and generous figure throughout her childhood. From treasured Christmas gifts like her beloved Western Flyer bicycle to fountain pens that helped shape her education, Irvin’s acts of love were just a few of many that enriched Mary Ellen’s formative years.

Her school years took her across Colorado and Kansas due to her father’s work with Sinclair Refining Company. She developed lifelong friendships, fond memories, and early romances that made her teenage years unforgettable. After graduating from Central High School in Pueblo in 1947, Mary Ellen pursued higher education at Pueblo Junior College and went on to train as an X-ray Technician at Glockner-Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, earning her certification in 1949.

Mary Ellen worked in hospitals and doctors’ offices throughout her life, notably at the Dow Chemical Company Hospital in Freeport, TX, and later in Beaumont, providing compassionate care to countless patients.

She married the love of her life, Dick Dalton Frazier, on August 14, 1951, and they shared a devoted marriage until his passing in 2006. Together, they gave life to five children, Kenneth Dalton Frazier, Donald Louis Frazier, Mary Ellen Frazier (deceased), Frank Wayne Frazier, and Jerry Wade Frazier.

She was a beloved mother, grandmother to eleven, and great-grandmother to seventeen. Mary Ellen cherished her family above all else and found joy in every phase of life—from her blessed childhood to raising her children and welcoming each new generation with warmth and pride.

A natural storyteller, Mary Ellen preserved the history of her family with vivid detail, from tales of her Swedish great-grandparents who settled in Colorado, to memories of her childhood in Denver & Pueblo, CO and Wellington, KS. She had a remarkable memory and deep appreciation for her heritage, sharing stories that connected generations and honored those who came before.

Mary Ellen’s life was marked by kindness, humor, and resilience. She often said she had a wonderful life—and it was evident to all who knew her that she truly did. Her love of family, her compassionate nature, and her joyful spirit will be remembered and cherished always.

She now reunites with her beloved husband, Dick, and daughter, Mary Ellen, and rests in eternal peace, surrounded by the love of those who went before her.

Mary Ellen leaves to mourn her sons and their families, Ken, his wife Linda, grandchildren Angela, Gregg and their children; Don, his wife Mary, grandchildren Chelsea, Justin, Nicholas, Ashely, Jennifer and their children; Wayne, his wife Teri, grandchildren James, Emily, Dean and their children; Jerry, his wife Cathy, grandchildren Jule, Kadie and their children – as well as special friends Butch and Euphemia Heufelder, Peggy Borque, Jane Hill, Laura Monday, Jeanne Staley, Lola Fregia and a host of other friends and family too numerous to name.

With Gratitude from the Family

The family of the late Mary Ellen Frazier wishes to express heartfelt thanks to all those who offered support, prayers and kind words during this difficult time.

We extend special gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff who showed gentle care and compassion to Mary Ellen during her final weeks.

May God bless you all.