Jan. 18, 1921 – Nov. 14, 2013
Mother, artist, poet, grandmother and great-grandmother, Ellen was born to Bill and Sadie (Boon) Van Wieringen on their farm just north of Partridge Point in San de Fuca, Wash.
She spent her childhood learning to love the natural beauty of the golden hills surrounding Penn Cove.
She attended grammar school at the old San de Fuca schoolhouse where she won awards for excellence in penmanship, a skill that stayed with her throughout her life. During high school her family moved to a new farm in Mount Vernon, Wash., where she graduated from high school. After graduation from Western Washington School of Education, where she served as student body president, Ellen taught art in the Vancouver, Wash., school district.
In 1944 she married Somers (Bud) Merryman, whom she had met as a girl on Whidbey Island. They lived in many places during the war, including Hickam Field in Hawaii. After settling in Seattle she raised three sons and pursued her passions of painting and poetry. Ellen was a member of the Seattle League of Arts and the Montana Miniature Art Society. She also was the long time Christian Education Director for the Wedgewood United Presbyterian Church. After retirement Ellen returned to Whidbey Island. She was noted as being able to spot an agate on the beach from 20 feet.
Preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, her brother Glen and grandson Benjamin Raney, Ellen will be sorely missed by her three sons, Brian (Wilhelmina) Merryman of Rainier, Wash.; Mark (Sandra) Merryman of Port Townsend, Wash.; and Reid Merryman, of Coupeville, Wash.; also by 10 grand children and 10 great grand children along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor. Friends may call for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Mark Andreasen at Burley Funeral Chapel. Those wishing to share memories with the family may do so at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com
