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.