Merridy Lee Bowers, 77, passed peacefully from this world into the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ, on July 24, 2021. She entered right on schedule, not a second too soon; not a second too late, as it says in Psalm 139:16: “And in your book they were all written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.” Merridy was born on April 11, 1944, in Wild Rose, WI, to Hilda and Charles Bowers. She was an only child and absolutely loved being spoiled by her father.
Merridy was a voracious reader of heavy books by famous authors – “no fluffy books, thank you”. She always considered her books her children. Merridy loved working for ShopKo during its heyday as Director of Purchasing. She loved the locations her career took her to: China, South America, and the New York City fashion district. She was one of the original powerbroker businesswomen. She was fiercely protective of and loyal to those she managed.
Merridy was also faithful to her parents. She ended her career early to move from St. Louis back home to Green Bay to care for her elderly parents. She loved cats, especially her “beloved William” and her “beloved Cedric”. She had an unnamed third cat – it must not have been “beloved.”
The three most important men in her life were Elvis, LL Cool J, and #4 – Brett Favre (no Rodgers, thank you). There were three other men that she was engaged to, but they all failed to cut the mustard.
Merridy loved walks and time spent with her cherished friend and fellow neighborhood watchdog, Marge Witynski. She always looked forward to her ‘spa’ days with the Lentz women (Bev, Sarah, and Jess). She enjoyed her book club partners. She also enjoyed a nice meal and a glass of wine with close friend, Pat McGinn. Merridy was grateful to be included in their family, especially talking Packer’s football with Green Bay Packer beat writer, Bob McGinn.
Merridy earned three degrees: Business, English, and History. She especially “loved, loved, loved” her time living at UW-River Falls. Merridy generously helped out church members who fell on hard times and enjoyed the fellowship of the old Southern preacher, Pastor John Reed, over multiple pots of coffee.
Merridy is survived by cherished friends Marge Witynski, Pat and Bob McGinn, Sharon and Maurice Woodmansee, the Dang Family (Mac, Libby, Ethan, and Elliot), Beverly, Rick and Sarah Lentz, Jessica Manibog, Connie and Gary Hames, and the rest of her church family.
Memorial Services will be held at Voice of Faith Church, 529 4th Street, Green Bay, WI on Friday July 30 at 5:30 pm. Pastor Rick Lentz will lead the services. Interment will be private at Crystal Lake Cemetery in Wild Rose, WI.
Special love goes to the Bellin ICU and surgical staff – you know how you are. You won the battle along with Merridy. The battle wasn’t about life or death, Jesus conquered death on the cross. The battle was whether or not to quit. The Bellin ICU nurses were compassionate, extremely professional, and fiercely protective of Merridy. They never quit! The Bellin surgical team exhausted all avenues in their attempts to help Merridy. They never quit! Most of all, Merridy never quit! Jesus said, “Enough”, and took His daughter home.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4