Charlene Ann (Pohr) Merrit

Charlene Ann Merritt, of Petoskey MI, passed away peacefully on Oct. 5, 2019, one day after her 85th birthday, surrounded by her family after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer.

Charlene was the daughter of Russell and Florence Pohr, wife of Gordon R Merritt Sr., mother of Gordon Merritt Jr., Julia Merritt and Lisa Merritt. She was also a grandmother of 5 grandchildren: Jeremy, Trevor, Noah, Sarah and Connor.

As a child, she grew up on a farm near Flint Michigan and attended St. Matthew High School in Flint. After graduation she attended the University of Michigan, graduating with a B.A. in Education. She was a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority. It was at the University of Michigan that she met Gordon on a blind date. It was love at first sight. Both Charlene and Gordon graduated in June of 1956 and were married the same month. They celebrated their 63rd anniversary this year. She taught school at Redford Union MI, Dayton OH and Anchorage AK during the time Gordon was serving in the U.S. Air Force. Later she taught at Milford High School in Michigan and was also a Realtor. Charlene and Gordon raised their family in Northville and Milford Michigan.

After retirement, they lived in the Florida Keys, Naples Florida and Cypress Texas. Summers were spent in the Les Cheneaux Islands and Petoskey. In 2017, Petoskey became their year-round home. Charlene was an avid reader, loved flowers and gardening. During her time in Marathon Florida she served as President of the Marathon Garden Club.

A Celebration of Charlene’s life has been scheduled for 11:00 am, June 6, 2020 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Petoskey, with interment in the Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that a donation to the Emmet County Friendship Center, or a charity of your choice be made.

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home, Inc.

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