Phyllis V. Merriman Obituary (1919 - 2013)

Phyllis V. Merriman, 94, of Normal, went to her heavenly home at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 9, 2013 at her home.Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, December 13, 2013 at First Baptist Church, Bloomington, with Rev. Adam Davis officiating. Private family interment will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington. Additional visitation will be for one hour prior to services Friday at the church.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Bloomington.She was born April 1, 1919 in Bureau County, IL, the daughter of Orrie and Elvira Johnson. She married Kenneth Merriman on June 1, 1941 in Shabbona. He preceded her in death on May 29, 1995.Surviving are a daughter, Sharon Wetzel of Normal; a son, Craig (Laura) Merriman of San Diego; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Dave) Clarke of Salinas, CA, Jessica (Ryan) Frame of Galt, CA, Amanda (Claire) Wetzel of New Castle, Australia and Ryan (Lisa) Wetzel of Normal; three great-grandchildren, Jori and Vivian Frame and Luke Wetzel; and two brothers, Gordon (Marty) Johnson and Orrie Junior (Bea) Johnson, both of Shabbona. She also leaves behind her "second daughter," Cheryl Gaines and daughter-in-law, Donna Skidgel.In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Kermit Merriman.She was a teacher working in one-room schools and was the first kindergarten teacher in Paw Paw, Illinois for nineteen years. Phyllis was actively involved in her church and generously used her sewing and knitting skills to give quilts, blankets, bears and purses to family, friends and those in need.Her love for God, family, friends and the farmland are a part of the rich legacy she leaves behind.