Patty Merriman

MERRIMAN, HECK

Posted By: Harvey Henry (email)
Date: 12/16/2008 at 16:27:31

December 16, 2008

Patty Merriman, 72

Patty Joan Merriman, 72, formerly of Iowa City, died Saturday, December 13, 2008 at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, PA. She was born August 28, 1936, in Salina, KS, the oldest daughter of the late Opal and Raymond Heck. On December 31, 1954, she married Lyle Merriman.

Surviving are her husband Lyle of the home, a son Mark and his wife Terri of West Liberty, IA, a son Paul and his wife Kelly of Lafayette, LA, a son John and his wife Diann of Big Pine Key, FL, a daughter Karen Myers of North Palm Beach, FL, and a sister Peggy Gouge of Alpine, CA; seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother Raymond, Jr. and three sisters, Constance Dolifka, Shirley Brown, and Doris Roggers.

In addition to being a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker with a gregarious personality, Patty was an award-winning cook, craftsperson, and flower gardener who loved to entertain dinner guests in her home. She had a wonderful eye for color and her artistic flower arrangements and center pieces were always viewed with admiration. She and her husband Lyle took great pleasure in traveling and she was particularly proud of the fact that they had been in all fifty states as well as many European countries.

Following cremation, Patty has elected to have her ashes scattered over her beloved Kansas wheat fields. In remembrance of her life, a memorial with friends and family will be held at her home in State College.

Contributions in Patty's memory may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.