Merla Mihalik

Merla Mahalik, 90, peacefully departed this life on Nov. 30, 2025.  

Merla's life was filled with love of teaching, family and friends. Merla graduated from Western Michigan University in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in education. She was president of Tri Sigma while at Western Michigan University. She received her master's degree in classroom teaching from Michigan State University in 1980.

Merla taught at Grand Ledge High School from 1956-59; Lakeshore High School from 1974-95; and St. Joseph High School from 2002-10. As a teacher, Merla was nominated for the Golden Acorn Award in 1995 and received the R. James Johnson Distinguished Educator Award in 1978. Merla also tutored several students in English as a Second Language.

Merla was active at Pathway Global Methodist Church, including various church commissions, youth group advisor, and camp counselor. She was also active in the Benton Harbor Auxiliary Child & Family Services. Merla mentored children in Peace Partners at the Benton Harbor Peace Temple United Methodist Church.

Merla was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert Sinn (1983); her husband William Mihalik (1998); her brother, John Bird (2025); and her parents, Meryl (1961) and Eunice Bird (1994). Merla is survived by her daughter, Libby Globensky (Mark); her sister, Alice Coe (Michael); five nieces and nephews; three grandnephews and two grandnieces.

Merla's funeral will take place on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at the Pathway Global Methodist Church. Visitation at the church is at 10 a.m., followed by her funeral at 11 a.m. Luncheon will be served afterward at the church. Memorials may be made to Pathway Global Methodist Church.