Mary was born May 23, 1921, in rural Garrison, Iowa, the daughter of James Edward and Nora M. Stritch Merchant. She graduated from Garrison High School in 1939.
On May 31, 1945, Mary was united in marriage with Norman Ray Walker at St. Mary Catholic Church in Vinton. Mary was a devoted housewife, and she supported Norman as his job transferred him to Missouri, Ohio and Kentucky. After his retirement in 1977, the couple moved to Vinton. Norm preceded her in death on July 30, 2016.
Mary was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Vinton and was active in Altar and Rosary and the Legion of Mary. She enjoyed square dancing, baby-sitting and accompanying Norm on his Iowa Braille School bus routes. Her smile and twinkling eyes will be remembered by all who knew her.
Mary is survived by many family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; 8 brothers and 6 sisters.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 15, 2016, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Vinton with Fr. Ardel Barta as Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton and for one hour prior to Mass at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton.
Memorials may be directed to the Vinton Lutheran Home, St. Mary Catholic Church or Hospice of Mercy.
Obituary & photo published by Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home
Mary was born May 23, 1921, in rural Garrison, Iowa, the daughter of James Edward and Nora M. Stritch Merchant. She graduated from Garrison High School in 1939.
On May 31, 1945, Mary was united in marriage with Norman Ray Walker at St. Mary Catholic Church in Vinton. Mary was a devoted housewife, and she supported Norman as his job transferred him to Missouri, Ohio and Kentucky. After his retirement in 1977, the couple moved to Vinton. Norm preceded her in death on July 30, 2016.
Mary was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Vinton and was active in Altar and Rosary and the Legion of Mary. She enjoyed square dancing, baby-sitting and accompanying Norm on his Iowa Braille School bus routes. Her smile and twinkling eyes will be remembered by all who knew her.
Mary is survived by many family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; 8 brothers and 6 sisters.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 15, 2016, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Vinton with Fr. Ardel Barta as Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton and for one hour prior to Mass at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton.
Memorials may be directed to the Vinton Lutheran Home, St. Mary Catholic Church or Hospice of Mercy.
Obituary & photo published by Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home
Family Members
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Michael Joseph Merchant
1916–1992
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James Woodrow "Woody" Merchant
1919–1991
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Jerry Gerald Patrick Merchant
1922–2009
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Winifred K. Duchacek Merchant Landuyt
1924–2013
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Richard E Merchant
1926–1985
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Rachel Merchant
1931–1934
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Leland Edward Merchant
1898–1969
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Vera Merchant Turner
1900–1971
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Walter Edward Merchant
1902–1902
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Nathan Emmett "Bud" Merchant
1903–1990
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Carol Marie Merchant Carson
1905–1995
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Dorthea Helen Merchant Vaupel
1908–1933
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Carl Andrew Merchant
1910–1990
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Willard Merchant
1912–1985
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Margaret Jane Merchant Cook
1914–1986
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