Rose Marie Merriman

Rose Marie Merriman, 86, of Springfield, died on Sunday, August 8, 2021 in Sherman. She was born December 21, 1934, in Nanticoke, PA, the daughter of Chester and Clara (Puffin) Zaremba. She married Francis “Smokey” Merriman on December 21, 1967 and he preceded her in death October 1991.

Also preceding her in death are her parents; two sons, John Earl McKinley and Ronnie Francisco; one granddaughter, Taylor Wells; one grandson, Colby Francisco; and seven siblings.

Rose is survived by her children, Debbie Smith of Fort Worth, TX, Mark (Kay) Francisco of Coal City, Elliott (Debbie) McKinley, Vince (Kerri) Merriman, and Mellita Goodman, all of Springfield; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; five sisters, Dorothy Grusaiewicz, Phyllis Soha, Barbara Zaremba, Alice Janusziewicz, and Kathleen Donlin, all of Pennsylvania; and four brothers, Charles Zaremba, Robert Zaremba, and Norman Zaremba, all of Pennsylvania, and Michael Gonshor of Maryland.

Rose was a homemaker for most of her life. She was also a caregiver for the elderly. She loved to decorate. She specifically enjoyed anything that had to do with butterflies or angels.

Rose’s family would like to thank the staff at the Villa’s in Sherman and to the staff from Memorial Home Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Rose and her family during her time there.

A private graveside service will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

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