Merna Duffus, 77, of Grinnell, died on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 9:30 AM. Interment will be at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Malcom. A luncheon will follow at the Elks Lodge in Grinnell.

Memorial contributions may be designated to Piece Maker's Quilt Group, Tuesday Quilters, or to Crazy Cut Ups and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Merna's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Merna Irene Ranfeld was born the daughter of Mern and Clara (Schlesselman) Ranfeld on February 22, 1948, in Deep River, Iowa. She graduated from Montezuma High School with the Class of 1966.

On February 11, 2006, Merna was united in marriage to Douglas Duffus at Calvary Lutheran Church in Deep River. She dedicated 41 years of employment to Brownells in Montezuma, retiring in 2013.

Merna had a deep love for quilting and working in her flower garden. She was a talented and devoted quilter and enjoyed fellowship with her many quilting friends. She was a member of the Piece Maker's Quilt Group in Montezuma, the Tuesday Quilters in Grinnell, and the Crazy Cut Ups in Montezuma. She was also a faithful member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Deep River.

Her memory will be cherished by her husband of 20 years, Doug Duffus of Grinnell; her daughter, Julie Ryan of Marengo, IA; her grandchildren, Max (Rachel) Franks and Colette Franks of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Grace Ryan and Hannah Ryan of Marengo; her sister, Inez (Don) Scott of Brooklyn; her brothers, Melvin (Mary) Ranfeld of Grimes, IA and Randy (Mary) Ranfeld of Deep River, IA; her sister-in-law, Donna (Glenn) Ratcliff of Arizona; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Harvey Johnston and Larry Ranfeld; and her sister, Sylvia (Marvin) Waline.