Janice L. Merrill
November 11th, 1938 - January 6th, 2023
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Janice's Obituary
Janice Lucille Merrill has completed her earthly journey and is now resting in the arms of her Lord & Savior. She was surrounded by her loving family as she took her last breath on January 6, 2023.
Janice was born in Niles, Michigan on November 11, 1938 to Charlie & Ruth Mills of Buchanan. Janice was born into a family that overflowed with musical talent. Her father and her brother, Bud Mills, both had natural musical gifts. From a very young age Janice took piano lessons that started her on a path of teaching music to young people for 60 plus years.
Janice graduated from Buchanan High School in 1957. She went on to graduate a bit later in life from Indiana University at South Bend in 1980 with honors. For many years Janice taught piano out of her home and directed the Omegan youth choir at Buchanan Church of Christ. In August 1980 she began her teaching career in the public schools in Edwardsburg. In addition to being the vocal music teacher she also directed the plays & musicals for many years. Janice retired from Edwardsburg Public Schools in 2001. At that time, she returned to teaching piano at home until retiring in 2021.
On August 1, 1959 she married George Merrill at the Buchanan Church of Christ.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 63 years, George. Their 4 children, Maribeth of Buchanan, Jeff (Suzanne) of Hudsonville, Linda (Joe Thomson) of Cornelius, NC, and Ron (Melia) of Grandville.
Janice cherished her 6 grandchildren, Alex (Anna) of Hudsonville, Ashleigh of Hudsonville, Greg (Elle) of Holland, Eric (Mikayla) of Oro Valley, AZ, Loryn of Ishpeming, MI and Lance of Grandville.
Janice absolutely adored her 4 great grandchildren, Charlie, Max, Ellie & Evie. She was looking so forward to meeting her newest great granddaughter, Oakley Ann, who is arriving in April.
Janice is also survived by George’s siblings, Joan (Jim) Burge of Laguna Woods, CA, Richard Merrill of Pueblo, CO, Don Merrill of Sterling, IL and Dale (Donna) Merrill of Lecanto, FL and many nieces & nephews.
Special cousins Deborah (Craig) Vergon and their family, Josh, Rachael & Jacqueline and Ron Marbeiter.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie & Ruth Mills, her brother, Charles Bud (Joan) Mills and George’s parents, Floyd & Legia Merrill.
Visitation will take place on Friday, January 13th from 3-8 pm at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St, Buchanan.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 14th at 10 am with a visitation one hour prior at Buchanan Christian Church, 112 W. 3rd St, Buchanan. Officiating will be Gordon Pippin. Those wishing to join virtually may do so by using the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81006421349?pwd=K1h3dmZpTCtDUFA5RTRpc1F1VnlvQT09
Burial will be private in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vocal Music program at Edwardsburg Public Schools. Checks are to be made out to the school with ”Janice Merrill memorial” on the memo line. Donations can be mailed to the school at Edwardsburg Public Schools, c/o Business Office, 69410 Section Street, Edwardsburg, MI 49112. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
Janice was born in Niles, Michigan on November 11, 1938 to Charlie & Ruth Mills of Buchanan. Janice was born into a family that overflowed with musical talent. Her father and her brother, Bud Mills, both had natural musical gifts. From a very young age Janice took piano lessons that started her on a path of teaching music to young people for 60 plus years.
Janice graduated from Buchanan High School in 1957. She went on to graduate a bit later in life from Indiana University at South Bend in 1980 with honors. For many years Janice taught piano out of her home and directed the Omegan youth choir at Buchanan Church of Christ. In August 1980 she began her teaching career in the public schools in Edwardsburg. In addition to being the vocal music teacher she also directed the plays & musicals for many years. Janice retired from Edwardsburg Public Schools in 2001. At that time, she returned to teaching piano at home until retiring in 2021.
On August 1, 1959 she married George Merrill at the Buchanan Church of Christ.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 63 years, George. Their 4 children, Maribeth of Buchanan, Jeff (Suzanne) of Hudsonville, Linda (Joe Thomson) of Cornelius, NC, and Ron (Melia) of Grandville.
Janice cherished her 6 grandchildren, Alex (Anna) of Hudsonville, Ashleigh of Hudsonville, Greg (Elle) of Holland, Eric (Mikayla) of Oro Valley, AZ, Loryn of Ishpeming, MI and Lance of Grandville.
Janice absolutely adored her 4 great grandchildren, Charlie, Max, Ellie & Evie. She was looking so forward to meeting her newest great granddaughter, Oakley Ann, who is arriving in April.
Janice is also survived by George’s siblings, Joan (Jim) Burge of Laguna Woods, CA, Richard Merrill of Pueblo, CO, Don Merrill of Sterling, IL and Dale (Donna) Merrill of Lecanto, FL and many nieces & nephews.
Special cousins Deborah (Craig) Vergon and their family, Josh, Rachael & Jacqueline and Ron Marbeiter.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie & Ruth Mills, her brother, Charles Bud (Joan) Mills and George’s parents, Floyd & Legia Merrill.
Visitation will take place on Friday, January 13th from 3-8 pm at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St, Buchanan.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 14th at 10 am with a visitation one hour prior at Buchanan Christian Church, 112 W. 3rd St, Buchanan. Officiating will be Gordon Pippin. Those wishing to join virtually may do so by using the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81006421349?pwd=K1h3dmZpTCtDUFA5RTRpc1F1VnlvQT09
Burial will be private in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vocal Music program at Edwardsburg Public Schools. Checks are to be made out to the school with ”Janice Merrill memorial” on the memo line. Donations can be mailed to the school at Edwardsburg Public Schools, c/o Business Office, 69410 Section Street, Edwardsburg, MI 49112. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
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