Published: October 29, 2009 10:23 am      

Iva M. Merrifield

Feb. 12, 1921-Oct. 27, 2009

LAGRANGE — Iva M. Merrifield, 88, died Tuesday at her residence.

In 1938, Mrs. Merrifield moved from Minot, N.D. to LaGrange. She was a homemaker and a seamstress, and an active member of the LaGrange Missionary Church in LaGrange. She was also a member of the Plato Home Economics Club, Sharing Doll Club, Mentor Moms, and had been a child evangelism teacher.

Mrs. Merrifield was born Feb. 12, 1921 in Kenmare, N.D., to William R. and Elma (Harris) Kauffman.

She married Howard E. Merrifield May 31, 1942, in Howe. He preceded her in death Sept. 7, 1982.

She is survived by her six daughters and three sons-in-law, Sally and Jerry Weir and Peggy Ryan, all of LaGrange, Phyllis Thompson of Iron Station, N.C., Amy and Ed Layman of Burr Oak, Mich., Becky and David Mains Jr., of Albion, and Bonnie Hurtekant of Elkhart; four sons and three daughters-in-law, Paul and Paula Merrifield of Fairbanks, Alaska, Neil Merrifield of Denver, N.C., Keith and Jamie Merrifield of Fort Wayne, and Randy and Pat Merrifield of LaGrange; 33 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; a sister, Lois Franz of Mount Pleasant, Mich.; and one brother, Frank Kauffman of Goshen.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; a son, Billy Merrifield; five sons-in-law; four grandchildren; two sisters; and four brothers.

Funeral services will take place Saturday at 11 a.m. at the LaGrange First Church of God, 777 N. Detroit St., LaGrange, with the Revs. Brent Danielson, Brad Ulick and Josh Hossler officiating.

Burial will be in Ontario Cemetery, Howe.

Visitation will take place Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Frurip-May Funeral Home, LaGrange.

Memorials may be made to the LaGrange Missionary Church or Gideon’s International.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.fruripmayfuneralhome.com.