Memorial

Betty Ann Merritt, 88, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, August 29, 2016 at her home. Funeral Service: 1:00 pm Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Pastor Lucille King will officiate at the service. A visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Betty was born August 27, 1928, the daughter of Benjamin and Nina (Vesey) Balcar in Cedar Rapids. Betty and Duane Novak were united in marriage in 1950. The couple farmed near Brandon, Iowa had four children and later divorced. On September 12, 1974 she was married to Lewis A. Merritt. Before Lewis passed away in 2008 the couple enjoyed traveling and camping. Betty work as a nurse’s tech for St. Luke’s Hospital, and also stayed at home to care for her children and enjoyed life on the farm. 

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who will be greatly missed by all. 

Survivors include her four children, Deb (George) Smith of Cedar Rapids, Cheryl (Rick) Wensel of Urbana, Carolyn (Doug) Wright of Toddville, Wayne (Susan) Novak of Cedar Rapids; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-five great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband and sister, Eloise Wehmeyer. 

Memorials may be directed to the Family in Betty’s memory.