Gwendolyn Edna Volts Merry (98) of Effingham

Gwendolyn Edna Volts Merry, 98, of Effingham, passed away at 2:15 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2022 at Willowbrook Memory Support of Effingham.

Gwendolyn was born August 5, 1923, in Effingham, only child of Roscoe Karl “RK” and Margaret (Humes) Volts. She married Merrill Dean “Bud” Merry on January 23, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri. He preceded her in death on October 24, 1962. Gwendolyn was a 1940 graduate of Effingham High School. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964 and earned her Masters degree from Indiana State University in 1967. She later continued additional graduate level classes at the University of Illinois. Gwendolyn began her teaching career in Mason, Illinois as a part-time art and kindergarten teacher. She later transferred to the Kindergarten Center in Effingham. She retired after 31 years from Effingham Community Schools Unit 40. Gwen loved sewing, gardening (she was President of the Green Thumb Garden Club) and golfing (she was vice president of the Ladies Golf Association and a member of the Effingham Country Club). She belonged to several bridge clubs and enjoyed singing. She loved traveling with her children and spending time with her grandchildren.

Gwendolyn is survived by one son, Stephen of Effingham and 2 daughters, Gwen (Greg) Scheetz of Scottsdale, Arizona and Dr. Margaret Merry-Niebrugge of Effingham. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Julia Degler, Ben (Katie) Merry, Gary (Ashleigh) Scheetz, and Jack, Jay, and Jeff Niebrugge, along with six great grandchildren.

Gwendolyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Merrill Dean “Bud” Merry; son, Dr. Richard Merry; son, James Merrill Merry; son-in-law, Ronald Niebrugge; and granddaughter, Elizabeth MerryPierce.

A private family graveside service will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Effingham. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Unit 40 Education Foundation or Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.