JoAnne Merkley

1/04/1928 – 11/16/2014

Resident of Santa Clara, CA

Born January 4, 1928 in Santa Ana CA.Entered into rest on November 16, 2014 at the age of 86.After a short illness, she passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She is preceded in death by her parents Gladys Oliver and Jess Miller, her 3 younger sisters, Gaynell, Sharon and Delayne, her husbands, Vience Serrano, Sr., Dwain Ison and Bud Merkley and her cherished grandson Vience Serrano, III. She is survived by her three sons, Vience Serrano, Jr. (Sue), Christopher Serrano (Fay) and Duane Serrano (Barbara).JoAnne is also survived by 5 beloved grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren as well as her 8 loving step children and 12 step grandchildren. JoAnne was active in PTA, was a Cub Scout Den Mother and active in her son’s Little League teams.In 1957, JoAnne found her love of bowling.She initiated the first Santa Clara County daytime Women’s League. She was past president for the San Jose Women’s Bowling Association and continued to bowl until the age of 85. For 30 years, JoAnne loved working for Drs. Hopp and Grant in their orthodontic practice. JoAnne’s warm smile and outgoing personality was always there to greet their patients. JoAnne was active in the Campbell AARP. Her love of traveling was fulfilled by joining their tour committee. For AARP, she organized trips and cruises all around the world. She volunteered at the Centre for Living with Dying, counseling those who had lost loved ones. Seeking answers, and growing in faith, she found the Center for Infinite Growth and the Universal Church of the Master. Formally expressing her love for God and others, JoAnne was ordained a Reverend in 1989. She has officiated at many weddings, memorial services and baptisms. JoAnne’s deviled eggs, fudge brownies with powdered sugar, Friday night Margaritas, late night ice cream socials while watching T.V., and her annual Christmas Eve party with Santa arriving at 8:00 pm sharp will all be truly missed. Most of all, we will miss JoAnne, a loving, compassionate and generous Mom, Grandma, Nonnie and friend. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Lima Family Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. Donations may be made to your charity of choice.