Irma M. Merrill, 100, of Burlington, died Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, at her home.
Born Nov. 5, 1923, in Lomax, Ill., she was the daughter of Percy and Bessie Porter Buckley.
Irma graduated with the class of 1941 from Burlington High School. On June 8, 1941, she married Bernard “Bernie” Merrill in Coleman, Texas. He died Feb. 10, 2006.
Irma was of a strong Christian faith. She was a housewife and homemaker. She did work as a home health care worker for 5 years. Next to Jesus, her family was most important. Her mission was to make sure all her family knew Jesus and would see her again in Heaven.
She loved to sing and listen to music. She enjoyed antiques and going to garage sales. She was a very positive person and loved going to view the river.
Survivors include her two daughters Marsha Bence and Roxanne (Mac) Osbourne both of Burlington; seven grandchildren, Bill (Melanie) Bence, Tami (Larry) Hibbs, Chad (April) Carr, Ryan (Nicole) Osbourne, Nathan Carr, Adam (Jenna) Osbourne, and Kristin (Colter) Levinson; 12 great-grandchildren, Brandon Hibbs, Taylor Carr, Noah (Izzy) Hibbs, Ethan Bence, Lucas Carr, Penelope Osbourne, Bethany Bence, Kenlee Levinson, Milo Osbourne, Cru Levinson, Lola Osbourne, and Rowan Osbourne; many nieces and nephews and her best friend, Betty McPherson.
She was preceded in death by her husband; two daughters, Shelly and Sue Carr; two sons-in-law, Bob Bence and Gary Carr; two sisters, Rosemary Sanburg and Barbara Dapshis; and one brother, Frank Buckley.
The funeral service for Irma will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17 at Lunning Chapel with Pastor Simeon Counterman officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
Memorials have been established for the Des Moines County Special Needs Foundation and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com