Merilyn M. (Goodhope) Spilde, daughter of O.C. and Hazel (Woodward) Goodhope, was born May 3, 1921 at Hurley, South Dakota. She received her education in Hurley and graduated from Hurley High School in 1939. Merilyn continued her education in Madison at General Beadle College where she received her teachers certificate. She taught in rural school in Turner County and in Viborg, South Dakota for six years. After her marriage to Lawrence F. Spilde on September 7, 1947 in Hurley they farmed in Kingsbury and Hamlin Counties. She continued to teach as a substitute teacher in Estelline for over 20 years. They moved into Estelline in 1984 and she entered the Estelline Nursing and Care Center in 2006. Merilyn died there on Monday, October 31, 2011 at the age of 90 years. She was a member of the United Church of Christ in Estelline, the Ladies Aid and the Birthday Club. She enjoyed sewing and especially spending time with her family and friends. Grateful for having shared her life are her husband Lawrence of Estelline; two sons, Terry Spilde and his wife Paula of Highmore, SD, Gerald Spilde of Estelline; one daughter Sandra Rasmussen and her husband Richard of Chamberlain, SD; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one brother Robert Goodhope of Parker, SD; five sisters, Eloise Welch of Viborg, SD, Meredith Jeanne Larsen and her husband Charles of Hurley, SD, Yvonne Holt and her husband Gene of Santa Monica, CA, Sheryl Christensen and her husband Dennis of Kansas City, KS, Toady Weeg and her husband Donald of Tea, SD; and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Her funeral service will be 10:30 A.M., Thursday, November 3, 2011 at the United Church of Christ in Estelline with Pastor Dustin Bartlett officiating. Visitation will be from 4PM to 7PM Wednesday at Geise Funeral Home in Estelline. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery at Estelline.