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Catherine Merley Obituary

Catherine J. Merley, 94, of rural Akron, passed at 4:00 a.m., Monday, April 5, 2021, at her residence.

Catherine was born Jan. 1, 1927, in Silver Lake at her family home to the late John Isaac and Eva (Shilling) Sands. On May 4, 1947, she married C. William "Bill" Merley in Silver Lake. He preceded her in death on Feb. 19, 2011.

She was a 1945 graduate of Silver Lake High School and then attended Manchester College. She was a homemaker, helping on the family dairy and hog farm. Catherine enjoyed reading and learning about the Civil War. She took many trips and even sat through a hurricane in the Outer Banks. She was an avid college sport fan with her favorite teams being Indiana University basketball and Notre Dame football.

Catherine is survived by four sons, Bill Merley Jr., Indianapolis, John and wife Donita Merley, Akron, Mark and wife Sherry Merley, Akron, and Brent Merley, Akron; and five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and on great-great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a brother, Carl Sands, as well as an infant brother.

The funeral service will be at 12 noon, Saturday, April 10, 2021, at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, with Pastor Stan Owen and Pastor Luke Vasicek officiating.

The interment will take place in the Akron Cemetery, Akron.

Visitation is 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at Hartzler Funeral Home.

Donations can be made in memory of Catherine to the Fulton County Animal Adoption And Education Center 1540 N. Wentzel St. Rochester, IN 46975.

Share a memory or send an online condolence at: www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Rochester Sentinel on Apr. 8, 2021.

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