Mrs. Merline Rickaway (Penny) Hollar, 79, of Gadsden, AL passed away Thursday, January 18, 2007. She was born February 9, 1927 in South Texas to the late August and Esther Rickaway. Mrs. Hollar was a longtime resident of Gadsden, a member of the First Baptist Church of Gadsden, and Served as President of The Newcomers Club of Gadsden. She was also an avid bridge player, a supporter of the Humane Society, and a charter member of the Bon Apetit Supper Club. Mrs. Hollar loved Christmas and Christmas trees, and participated in the Christmas Tour of Homes for many years. She lived life to the fullest and loved her family and friends dearly, especially her grandsons Wes and Zac.

She is survived by her husband: Don Hollar of Gadsden, AL; son & daughter-in-law: Wayne & Paula Hollar of Gadsden, AL; daughter: Lorie Hollar of St. Augustine, FL; grandchildren: Wes and Zac Hollar; and special friend: Gloria Thomas. Extended family includes descendants of the Frank Rickaway family from Blessing, TX, and the J.W. Klaus family of Lolita, TX. Mrs. Hollar was preceded in death by her parents, August & Esther Rickaway.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, January 21, 2007 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home Chapel in Bay City. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Wes, Zac, Gary, Don, and Steve Hollar, Darryl Rickaway, Mike Patterson, Steve Caldwell, and Mark Murphy. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Big Oak Ranch 5265 Jake mintz Rd. Southside, AL 35905, Humane Society of Etowah County 1700 Chestnut St. Gadsden, AL 35901, and Southern Care Hospice 219 S. 4th St. Gadsden, AL 35901. Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home (979) 245-4613.