Betty June (Deringer) Merchant, age 59 of Allegan, Michigan, passed away at home surrounded by her family on Friday, October 9, 2020. Betty was born May 14, 1961 in Hayti, Missouri, the daughter of the late Samuel and Maxine Deringer. Betty married the love of her life, Joel Merchant on July 19, 1980. They resided on the Merchant family farm where they raised their two daughters, Amanda and Stacey. Betty was a dedicated and hard worker. She worked as a Certified Medical Assistant at Bronson South Haven ProHealth for 15 years. Betty was a devoted and loving mother. She was very proud of her family and was excited to be "Nani/Nina" to 4 grandchildren. She loved watching her grandchildren play sports and show 4H animals. She loved every opportunity she had to spend time and spoil them. Betty was the beloved wife of Joel Merchant, devoted mother of Amanda (Tim) Gaulke and Stacey (Andy) Fox and loving "Nani/Nina" of Ian and Emily Gaulke and Kinley and Peyton Fox. 3 sisters, Rose Deringer, Judy (Jerry) Oisten, Deb Deringer. She was preceded in death by parents and her mother in law Esther Merchant. The family will meet friends on Thursday, October 15th from 5 - 8 PM and Friday, October 16th from 10 AM until time of funeral services at 11 AM, at the First Baptist Church of Allegan. Private interment will follow in Mallory Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the First Baptist Church AWANA Camp Scholarship, 1290 32nd St, Allegan, MI 49010 or 4-H Camp Kidwell, 39000 1st Ave, Bloomingdale, MI 49026. Arrangements entrusted to the Bloomingdale Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmillerfuneralhome.com.
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