Judith Ann (Leason) Merrill

Judith Ann Merrill, age 77, of Paw Paw, departed this earthly life for her home in Heaven on July 23, 2020. She was born in Milwaukee, WI on March 18, 1943 to the late Lyle and Ruth (Fueger) Leason, and adopted in Spooner, WI on April 8, 1947 by her late grandparents, Byron and Rosa Boston. Surviving are her three children, Jeaneen (Ed) Orbeck of Paw Paw, Rick (Lindsay) Merrill of Grand Rapids and Ben Merrill of Grand Rapids, six grandchildren, Michael, Megan, Cole, Joshua, Carter and Paige as well as her cantankerous cat Topaz. Judy was preceded in death by her husband Paul and her sisters, Rose Lynne Leason and Kathleen Rose Leason as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. In 1961, Judith graduated from Paw Paw, High School and in 1966 she earned her bachelors’ degree from Baptist Bible College (now Cornerstone University) in Grand Rapids. For eight years she was employed as a secretary in the Paw Paw school system, and for over twenty-five years she worked at (Bronson) Lakeview Community Hospital in Patient Registration and Medical Records where she enjoyed medical coding. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Paw Paw where she taught Sunday School and worked in AWANA. Before her health deteriorated, she attended Lawton Evangelical Church where she also worked in AWANA. Her favorite memories revolved around times spent with her family. She also enjoyed almost all types of music, live theater, reading and short impromptu car trips with Paul.

Private graveside services were held at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Paw Paw, with Rev. Buddy Turner officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.