Mary Ellen Merrick, 82, of Urbana died Saturday, May 14, 2011, at her home. A memorial service will be held at the Jehovah Witnesses Kingdom Hall, 2602 W. Bloomington Rd., Champaign Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. The family will greet guests from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m. before the service. Ron Barcus and Rick Galbrecht will officiate.

Mrs. Merrick was born August 2, 1928 in Raymond Township, IL, the daughter of Robert Leroy and Ellen (Cole) Mowrer. She married Norman McCarrey on November 19, 1950 in Sidney, IL and he survives. She later married Raymond Merrick on December 19, 1970. He preceded her in death on October 22, 1977. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister and brother.

Survivors include sister: Eula Thurman, Sidney; son: Larry McCarrey (Cheryl), Mahomet; daughters: Ginny McCarrey-Lipka (Michael), Urbana; Beth McKown (Bob), Champaign, stepchildren: Stephen Merrick, Larry Merrick, Floyd Draves, Kathy Murrah, four grandchildren, several step-grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, several step-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Merrick was a graduate of Sidney High School and graduated from the Barry-Castle School of Business, Champaign. She was a member of the Urbana Jehovah Witnesses Meadowbrook Congregation.

Before retiring Mrs. Merrick was employed as an Administrative Assistant at the University of Illinois and later the City of Champaign Township Supervisors Assessment Office.

Mrs. Merrick enjoyed cooking, gardening, bird watching and being among friends and family, especially her grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of WILL-TV, Philo or Sidney Fire Departments or the donor's choice.