Karen Merritt

Karen Amanda Merritt (Eberle) of Grand Blanc, Michigan peacefully fell asleep in death surrounded by her family on April 3, 2022 at the age of 76.  Karen was born on November 10, 1945 in Cadillac, Michigan.  Karen loved life, she had an infectious smile and a contagious laugh that would make anyone’s day better.  Karen is proceeded in death by her parents, Donald Eberle, Martina Thorpe, step father Horace (Bill) Thorpe; and her beautiful daughter Krystal Renea Merritt.  Karen is survived by her one and only true love, best friend, and husband of 53 years, Robert Lee Merritt of Cadillac, Michigan; her siblings Darrel Eberle and wife Carol Eberle; Kenneth Eberle; half sisters Donna Smith, and Rhonda Nicholas. Karen’s children, son Stephen Robert Merritt and wife Sharon Merritt; son Jeffery Paul Merritt and Kara Reed; daughter Angela Kay Ostrom and Randall Ostrom; daughter Victoria Sue Merritt and Claire Urban; daughter Amanda Lee Cottrill. Grandchildren, Bailey Merritt, Marc Paavola, Megan Paavola, Matthew Paavola, Mia Paavola, Ida Paavola, Iris Paavola, Adalyn Paavola, Isaak Merritt, Wilder Merritt, Ethan Merritt, Claudia Ostrom, Brooklyn Cottrill, Noah Cottrill, Priscilla Parker, Lucas Clark. Great Grandchild, Rowan Pulst. Numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and life long friends.

Karen had a full and eventful life. She had amazing stories of her life that she loved to share with anyone who would listen.

Karen was born and raised in the Cadillac, Michigan area until her teenage years during which she moved to Royal Oak, Michigan where she graduated from high school. After high school Karen moved back to Cadillac where she lived and worked. While waiting tables at the Hillcrest Diner a young man got up from the table and bumped into Karen, knocking her to the floor. As he turned around, realizing what he had done, he said, “Oh, sorry about that Shorty…” To which Karen responded, “No one calls me Shorty and gets away with it.” That young man was non other than Bob himself. This brief interaction was the start of their love story that would last close to 60 years. Bob and Karen were married August 31, 1968 and lived in Grand Blanc, Michigan for over 5 decades.

During that time Karen raised a family, developed long time friendships, and worked as a receptionist at Dr. Kenny’s Chiropractic Clinic, and ProClean dry cleaner.

Karen loved to travel. She was always up for a road trip no matter the destination. She enjoyed several trips to Florida to visit her parents, and to Cadillac to visit family and reminisce about her youth. On these trips a joyful side of Karen came out which was a pleasure to witness. Karen’s favorite hobby was cooking. She had the ability to take a recipe she was given or found in a magazine and make it better. She loved cooking for others. Every Sunday her and Bob would cook an extravagant meal for the family. In fact if you were to mention casually a dish or dessert to Karen in conversation, by the next meal she would have gotten the ingredients and prepared that dish for you.

Karen loved to be comfortable and cozy. Her collection of soft clothes and blankets was epic! If you mentioned how soft a sweater or blanket was, sure enough she would show up with one to give you. She once said the reason she wore all those soft outfits was so people would give her better hugs.

Speaking of hugs, she loved everyone. She could have a conversation with anyone about anything.

One of Karen‘s favorite things to do was share the truth she learned from the Bible. She was baptized a Jehovah’s Witness on December 7, 1974, and spent the next 48 years faithfully serving her God, Jehovah, and the Congregation. Her strong faith in what she learned from the Bible convinced her of what happens when we die. Karen wholeheartedly believed in the promises found in the Scriptures of a resurrection of the dead to life on a paradise earth. She reminded faithful to her death.

Until she has awaken from the sleep of death Karen will be greatly missed.

Arrangements for a funeral service are as follows;

Zoom meeting on April 16, 2022 at 2pm.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87221608234?pwd=Y3VYbDVzY3I3WmtleDVRVU1NOXB6dz09

Meeting ID: 872 2160 8234
Passcode: 546511
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87221608234?pwd=Y3VYbDVzY3I3WmtleDVRVU1NOXB6dz09