She was born on March 11, 1928, in Springfield, the daughter of Fredrick and Laura (Stubblefield) Rathbone. Sadie married Morris K. Merriman, who preceded her in death on June 5, 1965. She later married Harold J. Buhnerkemper, who preceded her in death on October 3, 1993. Sadie later married Robert C. Stevens on April 6, 2002, in Springfield.
Sadie attended St. Aloysius Elementary School and graduated from Lanphier High School in 1946. She went on to work for Sangamo Electric for 5 years. She then worked for Doll House Daycare for 41 years, St. Cabrini Catholic Church in housekeeping for 8 years, and as a caregiver throughout her life. Sadie was a member of St. Cabrini Catholic Church and the St. Cabrini Women’s Group. She enjoyed playing Bunco for over sixty years, dancing (2-step), gardening, and listening to “the oldies”.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Laura Mae Sprauge and Mary Sullivan; and brothers, Charles, Herbert, James, Coy, Albert, and Raymond Morrow, and William and Joseph Rathbone.
Sadie is survived by her husband, Robert Stevens of Springfield; children, Gary and Michael Merriman both of Springfield, and Philip (Joan) Merriman of Naperville; grandchildren, Christopher (Erin) Merriman of Springfield, Elizabeth Kretzinger of Springfield, Jonathon Merriman of Chicago, Colin (fiancé, Jordan Barker) Merriman of Lake Geneva, WI, and Brett Merriman of Hoboken, NJ; great-grandchildren, Steel Merriman and Brennan and Layne Kretzinger; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 pm, on Wednesday April 24, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service.
Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at St. Cabrini Catholic Church, 1020 N. Milton Ave., Springfield, with Fr. George Nellikunnel, S.A.C. officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Cabrini Catholic Church or Ridgely School Family & Community Engagement Team.
