Meryl Sheeley

Meryl Lorelei Sheeley, 85, of Niles, passed away Sunday, Feb 7 at Our Lady Of Peace Hospital, in Mishawaka after a brief illness. She was born March 31, 1924 in Weesaw Township, Michigan to Delbert Delos Pierce and Emma (Wolkins) Pierce. Lorelei grew up in Galien, Michigan and graduated from Galien High School. It was in school that she met Zane Sheeley, who would be the love of her life. They married August 29, 1942. They were married for 64 years before his passing March 23, 2008. Lorelei's first job was in the Galien Drug Store. She then moved on to work at Clark Equipment in Buchanan, MI in the cost accounting department. Her career there lasted over 30 years. The Clark Women's Golf League was a great enjoyment to her during her career. She and Zane enjoyed many years together traveling, metal detecting, panning for gold and flea marketing. She enjoyed collecting bells, dolls and depression glassware. She and Zane retired to Homosassa, Florida and had many wonderful friends and family there. She had many nieces and nephews who have great memories of Aunt Lorelei. Our Mom spent many hours crocheting Afghans and doilies, but most of all loved being around her family. We will miss her always. Survivors include 2 daughters: Darlene (Jack) Wright of Niles, MI and Carol Goodrich (Lonnie Rhino) of Decatur, MI. One daughter, Barbara Jean, preceded them in death at birth. Five grandchildren: Tracy (Jeffrey) Freeze of Burns Harbor, IN, Rodney (Brenda) Wright of Wichita, KS, Kim (Rudy) Regalado of Paw Paw, MI, Clifford (Teresa) Goodrich of Niles, MI and Kristen (Jeff) Brink of Columbia , SC and thirteen great grandchildren. One great grandchild is due in March. One great great grandchild is due in September. Three brothers and one sister preceded her in death, Lawrence (Margaret) Pierce, Delbert “Doug” (Dorothy) Pierce, Encell A. Pierce, and Mildred (Jack) Weaver. Memorial Services will be held February 27, 2010 at 11am at Swem Chapel in Buchanan, Michigan. Internment will take place immediately afterwards at Galien Cemetery for both Lorelei and Zane. Memorial Contributions may be made to Galien Woods Historical Society P O Box 162, Galien Michigan 49113 or the Galien Township Public Library 302 North Cleveland Ave., Galien, Michigan 49113