Merlena "Merle" Ann Kaupp Bealer passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her children in Picayune, MS on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at the age of 76.

Merle was born December 10, 1946, in New Orleans, LA, to Merlin and Nancy Lavite Kaupp, and was a longtime resident of Slidell, LA, before moving to Picayune, MS. She co-owned Doug's Restaurant & Lounge and was a former member of Krewe of Bilge, Krewe of Flora (Queen of Flora II), Krewe of Selena, and Poor Man's Yacht Club. She loved her family and friends, fishing, bowling, gardening, Swedish weaving and water coloring with RLM.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Merlin Charles Kaupp, Sr., and Nancy Ann Lavite, her brother, Merlin Charles Kaupp, Jr. (Ellen), and her sister Nancy Kaupp Turnage.

Merle is survived by her children, John Allen Durham (Traci), Melissa Durham-Rowe (Richard), and Nancy Ann Durham; stepchildren, Paul Bealer (Paula Davis), Cindy Morel (Kelly), and Floyd Bealer Jr; Grandchildren, James "J.P." Capps (Kelsey), Rowan Durham, Tabitha Moore, Rylee Durham, Jordyn Harper (DJ), Anissa Stafford (Jerry), Mason Rowe, Jacob Culpepper, Aiden Rowe, and 4 greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by step grandchildren: Adam Bealer, Zachary Bealer, Theodore Bealer, Saxon Bealer, Kelly Morel, Kylie Morel, and 5 step great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, David Turnage, Sr.; nieces and nephews: Christopher Weysham, Scott Kaupp (Terri), Trisha Gautreaux (Donald), and Heather Fielder (Russ) and 2 great nephews, and 4 great nieces.

Merle was truly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A Funeral Mass for Merle will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 Gause Boulevard West, Slidell, LA 70460 at 12:00 PM with Visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers please donate to one of the following causes: American Cancer Society, MD Anderson Cancer Center, or Children's Hospital.