Dorothy Mae Merriman

Merriman, Dorothy Mae MERRIMAN - Dorothy Mae Merriman, 88, of Alto passed away on December 5th, 2014 at Fulton Manor in Grand Rapids after a courageous battle with dementia. She was born on December 1, 1926 in Dutton, the daughter of the late Russell and Marie Swart.  She graduated from Caledonia High School in 1944.  Dorothy married David Jack Merriman on July 5, 1957 and he preceded her in death on October 8, 2012. In Dorothy's earlier years she worked at Preferred Insurance Company in downtown Grand Rapids.  After raising five boys, Dorothy became the first woman mail carrier for the Caledonia area.  She served on the Caledonia Board of Education for 13 years, assisted with the school and township elections, was a member of the Caledonia Township Zoning Board of Appeals and a charter member of the Caledonia Historical Commission, as well as serving on the Caledonia School Preservation Committee.   For her dedication and commitment to the Caledonia community she was named Caledonia Home Town Hero in 2004. Dorothy was a member of the Caledonia United Methodist Church.  She had a passion for traveling, especially to casinos.  She enjoyed reading and collecting dolls, Santa Claus's and cookie jars.  Most of all she loved spending time with family. Including her husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by her son, Randolph of Scottville; sisters, Josephine Dutcher, Marie Hopkins, Bette DeGand; brothers, Russell Swart and Robert Swart. Dorothy is survived by her children, Jeff and Mary Merriman of Lake Odessa, Edward and Janet Merriman of Ludington, Tim and Judy Merriman of Caledonia, Daniel Merriman of Ludington;  ten grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; sisters, Gladys Claucherty, Nella Jean Warner; and brother -in-law, William Hopkins. In Dorothy's final weeks, she was lovingly cared for by both the kind staff at Fulton Manor's VanAndel Pavilion and Hospice of Michigan. There will not be any services at this time. She will be cremated and a graveside service and burial of both Dorothy and David’s ashes are planned for the spring of 2015 in Caledonia. The family asks that if you would like to donate in Dorothy’s memory, please give to Hospice of Michigan.