Barbara Ann Merrill, 83, formerly of Benton Harbor, passed away Sunday, April 3, 2016 at Burke Hospice in Valdese, North Carolina following an extended illness.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Crystal Springs Church of God in Benton Harbor. Burial will follow at Coloma Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7-9 p.m. Thursday at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma.

Memorials may be made to the Crystal Springs Church of God where Barbara was a lifetime member.

Anyone who would like to stop and visit with Otho while he is in town may do so at Sadye and Bob's house through Sunday. Those wishing to leave a message or share a memory with the family online may do so by selecting the "Sign the Guestbook" option on the right.

Barbara was born March 26, 1933 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Millard and Grace Knapp.  She and Otho Merrill were married on Sept. 1, 1951 and have celebrated 64 years together. The couple resided in this area until 1986 at which point they relocated to North Carolina. There Barbara worked for the Burke County Public Schools in Morganton for 17 years prior to retiring in 2004.

Barbara is survived by her husband Otho of 64 years; two daughters, Cathy Merrill of Morganton, N.C. and Candy (Robert) Mathis of Connelly Springs, N.C.; two sons, Douglas (Patricia) Merrill of Overland Park, Kansas and Kevin Merrill of Stevensville; her brother Millard Knapp of Grant, Michigan; her sister Sadye (Robert) Pletz of St. Joseph; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her infant son Steve and her parents.