Gloria Merryman

1928 - 2018

Merryman, Gloria
1928 - 2018
Avid reader, gardener, bird watcher and cook, Gloria (Good) Merryman, of Worthington, Ohio passed peacefully on May 30 at the age of 89. Gloria had many "titles" during her life - devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, volunteer and social worker. If you knew Gloria you know she exuded strength and grace in everything she did. Those whose lives were touched by her will remember her extraordinary kindness and compassion. Those traits were coupled with empathy, tolerance, and embracing diversity – qualities she not only shared but taught many of us. Gloria graduated from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, Va., and as a late teen began working for U.S. Congressman Ellsworth Buck, representing New York City. After WWII she worked in the U.S. State Department in Frankfurt, Germany where she met her husband of 66 years, William Barton Merryman. Those were different times for women but Gloria made sure she forged her own path by also attending George Washington University and she received a degree in social work (Phi Beta Kappa) from The Ohio State University. It's not hard for her children to recall special memories of "Gigi" as she was known by family. There were the Friday night fish fry's, watching sports (she especially liked OSU Basketball), and of course the fall trips to Lake Hope State Park for more than 50 years. Thank you Gigi for showing us that time spent with family sharing love and laughter is what is most important. Gloria was dearly loved by all her family whom she helped navigate life's challenges and of course, she was there to join the celebrations along the way! She always made time to offer support, guidance or just a listening ear for everything in their lives and she loved hearing about their latest interests and adventures. Somehow she always knew the perfect thing to say or do. That could be sending a book, an encouraging hand-written note, or just sharing a comforting smile. Gloria is survived by her husband, Bill (Columbus); children, Scott (Susan), Suzanne (Barry Ferguson), Bill (Patti); grandchildren Kristin, Kimberly, Connor (Betsy), Kyle, Kathryn (Jason Replogle), Walter, Spencer, Taylor, Natalie, and Michael; and daughter-in-law Vicki Spencer. She is preceded in death by her parents Dean and Mildred Good and step-mother, Ethelea Good. Gloria lived life on her own terms and we will respect her wishes with no special service. Instead, you can remember Gloria and her family by taking time today to show kindness and spend time with your family. If you do want to do something more formal you can make a contribution to the Worthington Food Pantry, P.O. Box 27, Worthington, Ohio 43085, where Gloria was a dedicated volunteer. Arrangements have been entrusted to SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 North High Street, Worthington. To share memories or condolences with the family please go to www.schoedinger.com.