Salem-Beloved and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away March 14, 2010. She was born and raised in Lodi, CA. In 1947 she married Norman W. Merrill Sr. and they moved to Salem in 1949. She was a woman of great dignity and compassion. She was an exceptional homemaker, and took great pride in creating a beautiful home. Anything she put her mind to turned out beautifully and always appeared effortless. She was involved with many groups and philanthropic organizations that supported mankind, Rainbow Girls (past Worthy Advisor & recipient of the Grand Cross of Colors), Omega Nu, Marc Club in Lodi; Assistance League and St. Anne’s Guild in Salem; University of Oregon Mother’s Club and Ikebana International. She knew no stranger and believed all people merited respect. The family is very grateful for the loving staff, past and present, at Orchard Heights Assisted Living who cared for her the past few years. We also thank Providence Benedictine Compound and Hospice of the Northwest for their compassion and support. She is survived by daughters Stephanie Merrill, Susan (James) Litchfield of Salem, Sally Steelhammer of Albany and son Norman Merrill of Santa Monica, five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Proceeded in death by her husband Norman W. Merrill Sr., brothers Calvin and Jack Corell and sisters Mildred Lind, Naomi Walters and Helen Jane Devine. Our mother will be missed but never forgotten, as she will reside in our hearts forever. Family will be celebrating her life privately. Arrangements are by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.