Dorothy Louise Merchant, age 84, of Decatur, IL, formerly of Big Rock, IL and Forsyth, MO, passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at Lincoln Manor in Decatur, IL. She was born on July 7, 1925 in Millbrook, IL the daughter of Oscar and Anna (Johnson) Olson.
Dorothy was united in marriage on November 8, 1941 in St. Charles, MO to Mr. Len Merchant, Jr. and they spent the next 69 happy years of their lives together. Mrs. Merchant was, for many years, a member of the English Congregational United Church of Christ in Big Rock, IL and its Willing Workers Organization. Dorothy was a very kind and caring person who was always willing to help others in the Big Rock Community. She will be remembered as a wonderful cook, who, for several years, managed the restaurant at the Big Rock Truck Stop. Mrs. Merchant enjoyed playing Bingo with her friends. Dorothy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt that will be deeply missed by both family and friends.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Len Merchant of Decatur, IL; her daughter, Sandra (John) Neal of Decatur, IL; her grandchildren, Sherri Edwards, Cary Dean Merchant, Phillip Neal and Brian Neal; her great-grandchildren, Celeste and Zachary Weaver, Dean Allen and Kelly Merchant and Hailey Neal; her sister-in-law, Leona (Leon) Wilkinson of Plano, IL; as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Anna Olson; her son, Gary Merchant in 2004; her brothers, Arnold and Olaf Olson; and her sisters, Martha Whiteaker Brown and Arlene Olson.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at the Nash-Nelson Memorial Chapel, 141 N. Maple St. in Hinckley, IL with Reverend Kenneth Kramer, officiating. Interment will follow in the Welsh Cemetery in Big Rock, IL.
Memorials in Dorothy?s name may be directed to either the Big Rock Historical Society, 45W445 Hinckley Rd, P.O.Box206 Hinckley, IL 60511 or the Big Rock Plowing Match, 48W508 Hinckley Rd, Hinckley, IL 60511.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, December 11, 2009 and again from 10:00 A.M. until the Hour of Service on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at the Funeral Home in Hinckley, IL.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Funeral Homes, (815) 286-3247, www.nelsonfuneralhomes.com.