MERLE ALICE ANDERSON, beloved wife, sister, mother, grandma/nana, great-grandma and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Monarch on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at the age of 80 years.

Merle was a devoted wife to William (Bill) Anderson for 65 years. She was a loving mother/mother-in-law to her seven children: Lynda (Ken) Hann, Candice Hillmer (deceased July 12, 2005), Maureen Anderson, Shelley-Anne (Val) Dennis, Karen (Rick) Potvin, Steve (Carolyn) Anderson, Laurel (Steve) Anderson and of course Billy Merritt.

She was a caring grandmother to her 18 grandchildren: Stuwart (Theresa) Hann, Craig (Colleen) Hann, Christopher Hann (deceased October 13, 1977), Tammy (John) Wilgus, Lonny (Darla) Beglaw, Kyrie (Chris) Cragg, Crystal Valeen, Mike (Jen) Schaaf, Mandi (Mike) Bodnar, Bonnie (David) Postman, Cindie (Spencer) Rowan, Colin Dennis, April (Troy) Willerton, Shannon (Brian) Pointer, Randi-Jo (Robert) Anderson, Robyn (Sawyer) Anderson, Jordis (Coleman) Odney and Ty Odney.

Merle was a very proud great-grandma to 29 great-grandchildren: Danielle & Zakery Hann, Jagear, Kaylee & Bowen Hann, Dallas & Kale Gardner, Triston, Jayden & Kayden Beglaw, Liam, Jaylen & Taina Cragg, Jayla, Brynnique & Grayson Valeen, Corbin Schaaf, Carlin, Allan & Mackaden Bodnar, Amy & Bella Postman, Grady, Jase, Sawyer & Lainey Rowan, Jackson Beauchamp and Skylar & Quinn Pointer.

Merle was predeceased by her only sister Marilyn Mayme Gosselin of Edmonton AB, parents Smith & Iva Stephans of Turtleford SK and her in-laws Egmond & Evelyn Anderson of Swift Current SK.

Merle was born in Turtleford, SK on August 10^th, 1938. She met the love of her life in 1950 and was married shortly after on August 26^th, 1953. Merle was a hard working farm wife with many jobs throughout her time. Her favorite and most proud job was being a Federal Government Meat Inspector beginning in 1976. They raised six daughters and one son on the farm outside of Monarch AB, instilling a hard work ethic and kindness into each one. Merle was often the person who was turned to in tough times; a person or animal was always welcome when in a time of need and never left hungry. Bill & Merle moved into the town of Monarch, where they enjoyed retirement but didn't slow down in the slightest. She was your number one fan, from rodeo arenas, hockey games, baseball innings, school events, figure skating, dance recitals and everything in between, she did not miss anything. In fact, she was probably cheering the loudest. Merle's support didn't end at the family. She was loved and cherished by many friends and club members in her favorite event of the week at the Coalhurst 55+ club.
Merle was always loving and kind; she will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Daniel Zopoula officiating.

Merle will be laid to rest in the Fort Macleod Cemetery, on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 1:00 P.M.