Lorraine Elizabeth Merchant

Lorraine E. Merchant, age 87, of Ithaca, died Wednesday, November 15, 2017, in Carson City, with her family by her side.

 Lorraine was born in Muskegon on April 26, 1930, the daughter of Carl and Dorothy Belle (Buerge) Westerlund. She married Wayne Merchant on February 2, 1979.  Lorraine worked at the Gratiot County Herald for over 30 years.  She and Wayne enjoyed camping and traveling together, but she especially enjoyed being involved with family, having get togethers, and never missed any of the grandchildren playing their sports.

Lorraine is survived by her children, Mike (Donna) Vernon of Ithaca, Sue (Pat) Crawford of Ithaca, Pat (Carol) Vernon of Ithaca, and Sally Bosley (Kevin Newberry) of Gaylord; her grandchildren, Matt (Kari) Vernon, Steve Vernon, Todd (Brooke) Vernon, Chris (Cory) Crawford, Joe (Sara) Vernon, April (Phil) Alt, Bonnie (Corey) Fowler, Bradd (Stephanie) Bosley, and Kassie (Bob) Glenister; 16 great grandchildren; her sisters, Janet (Dave) Hartner of Dewitt, and Phyllis (Ken) Buss of Mesa, AZ; her sister-in-law, Edna Westerlund of Bradenton, FL; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; her brothers, Ron Westerlund and Douglas Bates; and her sister. Kathleen Bohil.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, November 17, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca with Jo Jones officiating.  Interment will follow in Ithaca Cemetery.  Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Thursday, and from 11 a.m. until the start of the service on Friday.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Ithaca Senior Activity Building.  Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com. 

Comments

[Gary & Marty]

Oh what a life she had!!! She was always a ray of sunshine everywhere she went & ALWAYS had a smile for everyone. Don’t cry because she's gone, rejoice because she was!!! ❌⭕ ✝️

[Kay trexler moreman]

So sorry for your lost. I remember being with Kathleen at Lorraine's many times as a kid.

[Linda Losee Robbe]

Sorry for your loss.

[Lindacarol Leiter Bush]

Offering prayers of comfort to family and friends. May you find comfort in the great memories you shared. Lorraine was a very special lady.

[Carol and Richard Merchant]

So sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to the family. Her friendly face will be missed. May memories comfort.

[Renee Bush]

Sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was a great lady. Sending big hugs.

[Khris Nevins]

Sorry for your loss

[Lillian Cook Merdler]

My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

[Kay trexler moreman]

So sorry for your lost. I remember being with Kathleen at Lorraine's many times as a kid.

[the Nemeths]

Our thoughts are with u during this difficult time💕💐

[Phyllis Bates Buss]

Our sincerest condolences to Lorraine's Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. May your hearts be full of loving memories of my dear big sister. She was a beautifully kind and loving person. I will miss her dearly but know that she is resting in eternal peace in the Light of the Lord. Love Phyllis Bates-Buss Family

[BEVERLY GODLEY]

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, AND CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY SHE WAS A SPECIAL LADY.. SINCERELY, BEVERLY GODLEY AND FAMILY

[Babe Quintrall]

I am deep,y sorry for your loss of Lorraine. May the “God of all comfort” embrace you and bring to your minds joyful memories. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) All the best wishes for your family at this time. Take care.