Merilyn Ruth Christian

Merilyn Ruth (Chace) Christian, 92, of Berrien Springs, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Shangrila Home in Berrien Springs. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heritage Chapel in Berrien Springs, 269-471-2700.  A private gathering of intimate friends is being planned to celebrate her life.  Those wishing to share a memory of Merilyn online may do so at www.heritage-chapel.com. Merilyn was born in Wallingford, Connecticut on September 24, 1924 to Earl and Ruth (Cram) Chace. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts. Merilyn served as an executive secretary at a variety of locations including the General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists, Loma Linda University, and Health Care at Home Stevensville, MI. Merilyn took much joy in reading, writing poetry, corresponding with friends, doing word games and assembling jigsaw puzzles. She was a great lover of the arts, performing choral music, composing, and playing the organ.  Merilyn loved nature, especially bird watching and feeding the wild turkeys in her yard. On November 23, 1967 she married Arthur Christian who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her brother, E. Stanley Chace.  Merilyn is survived by: her nieces, Joanne (Bill) Badzik and Denice (John) McNeil; nephew, Mark (Carol) Chace and special friends, Juanita and Richard Ritland, David and Sarah Village, James Hayward, and Shandelle Henson.