Merilee Ruth Berthusen
October 14, 1944 — March 18, 2015
Merilee Ruth Berthusen after many years of fighting multiple sclerosis, passed away on March 18, 2015 surrounded by her family. Merilee was born in Corning, Iowa to Norman and Ruth Mueller and grew up on a farm outside of Bennington, Nebraska. Merilee graduated from Valley High School in Nebraska and went on to attend college at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont,Nebraska. On December 18, 1964 she married John Berthusen with whom she had two children: Joel (Ann) Berthusen of Peoria, Arizona and Matt (Krista) Berthusen of Waukee, Iowa.
Merilee was very active in the Avoca community including The United Church of Avoca, the Avoca library board, PEO, and many school and Boy Scout committees. Merilee was an artist and loved to draw with her colored pencils and paint. She was an avid reader, loved to travel and spending time with nature and her cats.
She left her mark at every house she called home by planting native wild flowers that would bloom year after year. Merilee had a large group of friends and was always such a positive person. You very rarely heard her complain about her problems or her disease. She had a wonderful sense of humor and love for life. Her kindness, positive attitude and devotion to family will be greatly missed.
Merilee is also survived by four grandchildren: Alexander and Taylor Berthusen of Peoria, Arizona and Noah and Bryce Berthusen of Waukee, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her memory to the Midlands Humane Society.org, 1020 Railroad Ave, Suite A, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503
Merilee was very active in the Avoca community including The United Church of Avoca, the Avoca library board, PEO, and many school and Boy Scout committees. Merilee was an artist and loved to draw with her colored pencils and paint. She was an avid reader, loved to travel and spending time with nature and her cats.
She left her mark at every house she called home by planting native wild flowers that would bloom year after year. Merilee had a large group of friends and was always such a positive person. You very rarely heard her complain about her problems or her disease. She had a wonderful sense of humor and love for life. Her kindness, positive attitude and devotion to family will be greatly missed.
Merilee is also survived by four grandchildren: Alexander and Taylor Berthusen of Peoria, Arizona and Noah and Bryce Berthusen of Waukee, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her memory to the Midlands Humane Society.org, 1020 Railroad Ave, Suite A, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503
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