Gloria Jean Merrill passed on to glory at her home with her family in Battle Ground, Washington, on Jan. 9, 2023.
Gloria was born May 4, 1947, in Clay Center, Nebraska, to parents Eldon and Lois Busboom. Gloria is survived by her husband of 58 years, Norman Merrill; her brother and sister-in-law, Vern and Michelle Busboom; her brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Diana Busboom; her daughter and son-in-law, Shawn and Bob Richardson; her son and daughter-in-law, Scott Merrill and Mon-Lin Kuo; her grandchildren, Chris, Jen, Sara, Jeffrey, Jamie, Jackie and Norie; and her great-grandchildren, Emmaline, Payton, Paisley, Norman and Theodore.
Gloria was a woman of great faith. She had many friends among her church family and coworkers from her years working at Yacolt Primary School as an instructional assistant. Friends commented that she always had a gentle smile and kind words for everyone. She was known for her joyful spirit, love for her family and her humble service to others. She blessed many with her beautiful, crocheted blankets, dolls and toys. In recent years, Gloria belonged to a group of ladies that sewed layettes, dresses and other items out of pillowcases for women and children in third world countries.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. April 8 at Charter Oak Community Church, 12212 NE 299th St. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gloria’s favorite charity, the Humane Society.
