Eleanor H. Merriam

MERRIAM, Mrs. Eleanor H. ?Betty? Portage Betty Merriam passed away Saturday morning, June 16, 2007, at Tendercare of Kalamazoo. She was born July 11, 1917, in Kalamazoo, MI, a daughter of Bryan and Juanita Gibson Bailey. Betty lived in Kalamazoo all of her life except for six years spent in Daytona Beach, FL, where she graduated from Seabreeze High School in 1935. Until her retirement in 1977, she was employed for 34 years in the office of the Shakespeare Fishing Tackle Company. Following her retirement, Betty became very active in various senior activities. On June 3, 1939, Betty was united in marriage with Donald A. Merriam, who preceded her in death on June 15, 1985. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Jack Bailey, and a sister, Mary Woodruff. Betty is survived by: a son, Donald P. Merriam of Kalamazoo; four grandchildren, Debbie Cherry, Shannon Mike Brown, Brian Carman Merriam and Mickey Elizabeth Merriam; seven great-grandchildren, Nicole, Michaela, Amber, Krysten, Christian, Tyler and Bryson; and several nieces and nephews. Private graveside services will be held in Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park with Pastor Ken Smeader of Kalamazoo Missionary Church, officiating. There will be no public visitation. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Heart Association.