Genola Gay "Gennie" Merrifield, 56, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at her home in Sanderson, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 2, 1969, in Portales, New Mexico, to Phyllis Evelyn Causey and Edmon Ray Merrifield, and was lovingly raised by her stepfather, Gene Raymond Phelps, Sr. (Amelia). Gennie often said she "moved to Texas as fast as she could," arriving with her family when she was just a few months old.

Gennie was a devoted believer in the Lord and read her Bible daily. She filled her mind with scripture as she gardened and often shared verses to help ease the worries of those she loved. She was a lover of nature and its beautiful "paintings" in the sky, often watching the West Texas sunrises. She was rarely alone, as there was always a cat nearby. An effortless gardener, Gennie could grow anything from flowers to fruits. She was also a wonderful cook and baker, known for her cakes, breads, Hello Dollies, and her perfectly brewed iced tea and coffee. After her mother's passing, she lovingly took on the role of leading the family in prayer every Thanksgiving and Christmas.

On July 1, 2001, Gennie and her life partner, Martin, took over Uncle's of Sanderson. Together they built a business that became a true cornerstone of the community. Over more than 25 years, Gennie met people from near and far who returned again and again just to say hello or to thank her. She was known for her kindness, warmth, and her willingness to help anyone, at any time. Though she had many accomplishments, Gennie's greatest pride and joy were being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. After stepping away from the store, she made every effort to travel to visit her children and grandchildren, enjoying long drives, sometimes getting happily lost and always finding her way back while listening to her favorite music on the radio. She spoke proudly of her children and their families as they grew — they were her true pride. Like her mother, she often wished her whole family could live together in one big, beautiful home forever, because her favorite place to be was wherever her family was.

Gennie was preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis Evelyn Causey.

She is survived by her life partner of 29 years, Martin Esqueda of Sanderson, Texas; her father, Gene Raymond Phelps, Sr. (Amelia); her four children, Shasta Thomas (Jason) of Mechanicsville, Virginia; Jessica Perez (Homero) of Sanderson, Texas; Evelyn Ramirez (Dylan Humphreys) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Isaac Ramirez of Colorado Springs, Colorado; her four siblings, Carol Carlile of Seguin, Texas; Raymond Phelps of Seguin, Texas; Jeri Marin (Gumaro) of Seguin, Texas; and Jack Phelps (Peggy) of Sanderson, Texas; nine grandchildren, Thomas, Ethan, Alyssa, Brianna, Zoe, Jace, Jaxon, Brooklyn, and Ava; two great-grandchildren, Gio and Luca; twelve nieces and nephews; and many other loved ones she held close to her heart. Gennie was truly a blessing to know, and her memory is a testament to the strength of family bonds. She will be missed beyond measure.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternity Funeral Home in Fort Stockton, Texas. In honoring Gennie's wishes, no services will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to assist with expenses, which may be made through Pecos County State Bank in Sanderson, Texas, under Martin Esqueda's name.