Dec. 30, 1925 — April 5, 2016

Betty M. Merwin, 90, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Tuesday morning, April 5, 2016, in her residence in the comfort and presence of her family.

She was born Dec. 30, 1925, in Decatur, Michigan to Fred and Maude (Bushong) Shew. She married Richard B. Merwin April 12, 1947. He preceded her in death December 29, 1976. She was also preceded by her parents; five brothers, Vaughn Shew, Kenneth Shew, Sr., Robert Shew, James Shew and Joe Shew; two nephews, Frank Shew, Robert “Bobby” Shew; and one niece, Cindy Shew.

Betty was passionate about gardening and taking care of her yard.

Betty will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by several nieces and nephews, including, Richard (Glorianne) Shew of South Carolina, Larry (Susan) Shew of Pennsylvania, Mary Jo (Mike) Brien of South Bend, Indiana, John (Joy) Shew of Indianapolis, Indiana, Susie Shew of Paw Paw, Michigan, Mike (Brenda) Shew of Constantine, Michigan, Susan McCallister of Houston, Texas, Kenneth (Dinah) Shew, Jr. of Houston, Texas, Evelyn (Steve) Richter of Houston, Texas.

Family and friends will gather from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 14, in Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 603 McCleary St., Dowagiac, with the Reverend Jeffrey Weber officiating. Mrs. Merwin will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Sumnerville, Michigan.

The family prefers contributions be made in Betty’s memory to Cass County Council on Aging, Post Office Box 5, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.