Merida Ann Worner

Merida Ann Worner was born to Pastor Edward and Mrs. Edla Peterson on February 27, 1937. She passed away suddenly on November 3, 2024.

Growing up in the late Depression with four siblings, Philip, Joseph, Karna, and Naomi, Merida and her family moved from parish to parish, living in Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois. After graduating high school, Merida attended Gustavus Adolphus College and pursued a career in teaching. She taught high school English in several states, including Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and New York. She had a passion for helping students learn and loved connecting with them on stage when coaching dramatics .

Merida married Roger in 1966 and went on to have three children, Missy, Kim, and Tod. Throughout her marriage, she dutifully moved around the country (adding West Virginia and Iowa to the long list of states she called "home") and made friends everywhere she resided. She stepped away from teaching and became an incredible homemaker. She prioritized her family while joining church circles and Bible studies. Her strong faith in Jesus inspired her to serve others with baked goods and homemade crafts.

Always a fighter, Merida was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and endured grueling surgeries that impacted her speech and balance. Even so, she made light of the challenges, telling people that her impediments were due to being 100% Swedish. Merida loved to laugh and loved to make others laugh. A faithful steward to those she encountered and befriended, she rarely grumbled and as her mobility and health failed, she prepared to go home.

Merida is survived by her children: Missy Smith, Kim (Tony) Gagnon and Tod (Cari) Worner, grandchildren: Mara, Chase, Colton, Ethan, Carson, Avery, Annabel and Vivian; sisters Karna and Naomi (Bill Bertram); sister-in-laws Joan and Sylvia; and many nieces and nephews.

The joy of Merida's life was being Nana to eight grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Philip and Joseph.

Merida wished for a private burial with immediate family. A celebration of life will be planned for next Spring.

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18 Congratulations, Mom. You're finally home. Until we meet again.....