Elizabeth Eugenia Merriman, 91, of Paw Paw, passed away at her home November 4, 2011. She was born June 8, 1920 in Davenport, IA to Hazel (Stroyan) Powers and Robert Powers. She married Vernon Merriman on July 23, 1939 in Paw Paw, Illinois. They lived most of their married lives in Paw Paw with a short time spent in Byron and Stillman Valley.
She wore many hats. She was a farm wife and loved to talk about helping in the fields and cooking for the threshers. She was a telephone operator in Paw Paw, worked in Tabor’s Store and was a waitress in a restaurant at the corner of Routes 51 & 30. She then started working in the Paw Paw Post Office where she was the Post Master for many years.
She was a member of the Grange and the Legion Auxiliary, and the County Home Extension. She belonged to the Paw Paw Methodist Church, where she served on the board and taught Sunday School. She volunteered for the American Red Cross and loved organizing the local blood drive.
Her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her daughter Faye (Tom) Allen of Malta; her five grandchildren Michaele Kratky of Westfield WI; Tammy Funk of Coco Florida; Chad (Theresa) Allen, Heather Allen, & Justin (Eddy) Allen all of the Phoenix, AZ area; 23 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years; her parents; her step-father Lloyd Deshazo; three brothers Robert Powers, Harold DeShazo, & Hayward DeShazo; three sisters Joyce Reed, Evelyn Primrose, & Dorothy Styles.
Arrangements are being completed by the Torman Funeral Home. Services will be held at the Paw Paw Methodist Church on Saturday, November 19. Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. with the service to follow at 11:00.
For further information, contact Torman Funeral Home at 815-627-3811. Online condolences may be expressed at TormanFuneralHome.com.
I’ve known Liz since I was four years old. She was very caring and a lot like a third grandmother to me. She was my emergency contact at school. And everyone in the house got a small present on holidays. She even babysat me sometimes.
Once, when I was in fifth grade, I got sick at school. My parents were at work and Liz picked me up and let me lay on her couch until dad got home.
She let kids play in her driveway, whenever they wanted. She was a wonderful neighbor and we will all greatly miss her.
Dear Faye and Family,
The old neighborhood south of Byron was such a wonderful place to grow up. Liz had the sweetest smile. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Don’t know if you remember me or not. I remember you and especially your mom. I saw in the obit where you put it in about feeding the thrashing crews. Brought back lots of good memories. Cases, Dirksens, etc. I’m sorry to hear about your mom. You have our condolences. I know there are times I would like to tell my parents something that happened and there is no one there. Thinking of you. You are in our prayers.
— Daehle and Angie
My aunt was always full of hope. She was very in love with family. My fondest memories are as children. My brother & I would go to her house and play with Fay. Every time I watch the movie “Dennis The Menace” when Dennis goes to Mr. Wilson house and Mrs. Wilson was always so welcoming. We lived not very far away in Paw Paw. She always had one of those aunt hugs ready when we would come over. The kind of hug that as a child you had to survive through, you knew they were coming so you just toughed it out. Aunt Liz was so hopeful. She always seamed to bring out the best in a person.
Even as adults when we would see her at the family reunions, she still had those hugs and kisses ready. I will miss them. We never knew what we had until we were older and could fully appreciate her.
Liz was a dedicated volunteer for the American Red Cross, Lee County Branch. She not only organized the local bloodmobiles there in Paw Paw but also served as a Chapter Chairperson, served on the board and sometimes responded to local house fires as a DAT member.(Disaster Action Team) Liz was a very special person and will be deeply missed! I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers!
So very sorry for your loss. I remember her well. We have lost touch through the years, that I still think about all of you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.