Merrieta M Gill

Born July 19, 1928 in Peoria to Elmer and Mildred Johnson, she married William Claud Gill on November 16, 1947 in rural Pekin. He died April 1, 2008 in Peoria. She was also preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Curtis Johnson and Roger Johnson.

Surviving are three sons, Gary (Janis) Gill of Pekin, Randy (Pamela) Gill of Manito, and Steve Gill of Louisiana, Missouri; four grandchildren, Tracy Lynn Davis of Louisiana, Missouri, Bradley Gill of Creve Coeur, Caleb Gill of Pekin, and Gabriella Barborinas of Peoria; eight great-grandchildren, Teresa Gill, Kristian Davis, Micha Davis, Kimberly Davis, Hunter Gill, Michael Davis, Dawson Gill, and Brooklyn Gill; and one sister, Leotta Hester of Marquette Heights.

A homemaker, Merrieta had worked at the Mineral Springs Motel and in the kitchen at both Pekin Hospital and Hallmark House Nursing Center, all in Pekin.

She was a former longtime member of Normandale Reformed Church in Pekin.

Merrieta enjoyed bird watching, gardening, and being with her family especially her grandchildren.

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Cheryl Sherwood will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com