Merlyn Marie Pettifer, 83, of Orion passed away Thursday, May 27, 2010, at Hillcrest Nursing Home, Geneseo.
Funeral services were held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Orion, Wednesday, June 2, 2010. The Rev. Michael Lawyer officiated and burial was held at Moline Memorial Park. Visitation was held on Tuesday, June 1, at Kirk, Huggins & Esterdahl Funeral Home, Ltd. Orion.
Memorials may be given to Hillcrest Nursing Home or St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she was a member.
Merlyn was born July 5, 1926, in Chicago, the daughter of Vernard Cameron and Nada Thompson Cameron. She married Vernon C. Pettifer Sr. on Feb. 4, 1945, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moline. He preceded her in death on Feb. 16, 2002.
Merlyn worked at Rock Island Arsenal during World War II and at State Bank of Orion for 28 years, retiring as assistant cashier.
In earlier years, Merlyn sang at many weddings and special occasions and performed at Soldier Field in Chicago.
She enjoyed tutoring middle school students in Orion, sewing, baking and shopping.
Merlyn belonged to St. Paul Lutheran Stitchers and Texas Glitter Girls.
She was a past president of WELCA. She was best known for her positive outlook on life and her beautiful, welcoming smile.
Survivors include daughter, Sandra (Jim) Fioretti of Grand Prairie, Texas; sons, Ronald Pettifer of Orion, Vernon Jr. “Chick” (Rebecca) Pettifer and Dennis (Susan) Pettifer, both of rural Coal Valley, and Robert (Dena) Pettifer of Andover; 16 grandchildren, Amy Rehn, Andrea Allen, Brent Fioretti, Wendy Romeo, Reid Pettifer, Adam, Aaron and Alex Pettifer, Jessie Lecander, Quinn Pettifer, Ellen Berberich, Jamie Wallace, Christy and Justin Mathias; and Amber and Karli Pettifer; and 24 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Vernon, son Donald, grandson Duane Fioretti, and brothers Reid Cameron and Tom Morgan.
