Marian S. Merrill

Marian Merrill, 91, went to be with her Lord and Savior November 22, 2011 with her family at her side at Emerald Heights in Redmond, Washington. She was born on Maui, Hawaii November 29, 1919 to Charles and Kathryn Savage.

In 1937 Marian Savage moved to San Francisco, California where, New Years Eve 1941 she met Lt. David Merrill, who was serving in the U.S. Navy at Treasure Island. In December of 1943 Dave and Marian were married. Over the years they were blessed with 5 children: Marilyn, Greg, Cindy, Pam and Lynn. During Dave’s service with the Navy the family traveled from duty station to duty station including San Francisco, Norfolk, San Diego, Honolulu, Carmel, Yokosuka, Japan and Bellingham.

Upon retiring in 1972 from the Navy the Merrills moved to Whidbey Island settling first in Coupeville where they built a home and later, in 1986 they moved to Oak Harbor where they downsized into a condominium. In 1994 they moved once again, this time to Emerald Heights Retirement Community in Redmond, Washington. They enjoyed the past 17 years becoming involved in their retirement community, attending plays and musical productions in the Seattle area and traveling around the world.

Marian was a strong, but soft spoken lady who was only too willing to get involved in organizations and worthwhile projects wherever she was. She was a past member of the Coupeville United Methodist Church, a current member of the Redmond Presbyterian Church and belonged to the Overlake Service League and P.E.O. She managed the operation of the resident staffed coffee shop at Emerald Heights, developing the popular “Emerald Chino” and was on the committee there charged with memorial services. She always lived the spirit of “Aloha”.

Marian is survived by her husband David Merrill, daughter Marilyn Freeman of Berkley, California, son Greg Merrill (Marilou) of Bethesda, Maryland, daughters Cynthia Merrill of Shoreline, Washington, Pamela Merrill of Westminister, Colorado and Lynn Dimoff (Jordan) of Purcellville, Virginia. She also leaves 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

A memorial service for Marian will be held in the Emerald Room at Emerald Heights, Redmond, Washington Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 2:00 PM. The family suggests memorials to the Evergreen Hospice Center, The Center for the Church and Global Aids, or Redmond Presbyterian Church. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor where friends may go online at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest register and leave memories for the family.