Iantha 'Joy' Merlie

Iantha "Joy" Merlie, 90, of Westville, passed away at 1:22pm, Thursday, July 28, 2022, at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, IL. Born August 8, 1931, to Inez Kathleen Wyman and adopted at 5 days of age by Ruby (Gritten) and John Harcarik of Westville, she attended schools in Danville, Chicago and graduated from Westville High School in 1949. She married Carl L. Merlie on September 22, 1951, at St. Marys Church in Westville. He preceded her in death in 2011. She is survived by her two sons Gary L. (Lee Ann) Merlie of Bethany, IL and Bradly A. (Barbara) Merlie of Charlotte, NC; two grandchildren, Sara Ann of Charlotte and John Carl (Erin) of Atlanta, GA; and grand dogs, Haley, Addie, Elliot, Olivia and Nala. Joy had numerous friends that were like sisters to her, and they remained good friends to the end of her life. She lived many years in Decatur, IL, Madisonville, KY and Charlotte, NC before moving back to Westville in 1991 when her husband retired. She attended Fairview United Methodist Church in Georgetown. The greatest joy in her life was her family. She was extremely proud of all of them. She enjoyed and took pride in her home and liked working in the yard. A celebration of Joys life will be held at 12:00pm, Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Westville, Illinois 414 S State St. Westville, Illinois 61883 with Pastor Matt Filicsky officiating. Visitation will be held 10:30am to 12:00pm on Wednesday prior to her service at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Westville. In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to Fairview United Methodist Church, The Westville Depot, or The Westville Library. Please join her family in sharing memories through her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.