Merlene Mary King passed away on June 30, 2022 surrounded by her loving husband of 54 years Howard King and immediate family members.

“Mert” was born September 3, 1938. She was a lifelong resident of Kentland, IN and attended A.J. Kent High School. She worked at Nu-Joy restaurant and spent many years sitting chairside with Dr. David Dennis, DDS as his assistant.

Mert loved to travel, cook, meet her girlfriends for lunch, and spend time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Howard King, three daughters, Jackie Cray of Phoenix, AZ, Tere Barten (Gary) of Kentland, IN, and Connie Schutter (Paul) of Earl Park, IN. Grandchildren, Jasmine Butler of Kentland, IN, Andrea Meza (Mike) of Ramona, CA, Amy Flanagan (Dan) of Phoenix, AZ, Ben Schutter (Jen) of Earl Park, IN and Bart Schutter of Myrtle Beach, SC.

Merlene adored her great-grandchildren and felt so blessed to be part of their lives, Mason and Addie Schutter, Ryen and Grant Flanagan, and Mila Meza.

Also surviving are her brothers, Richard Miller (Janet) of Kentland, IN and Dave Miller (Marjorie) of Logansport, IN. Sister in-laws Carol Hiett (Steve) of Woodbridge, VA and Lois Perkins of Lafayette, IN.

Preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Florence Miller and Denver and Thelma Perkins and siblings Donald, Eleanor and Bill Perkins.

Visitation is at Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home of Kentland on Thursday, July 7, 2022 from 4-7 PM (CDT). Funeral Service 11 AM (CDT) Friday, July 8, 2022 also at Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home. Interment to follow in Fairlawn Cemetery of Kentland.

Memorial contributions may be made in Merlene’s name to her favorite charities in lieu of flowers: St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Isaiah 117 House for Foster Children isaiah117house.com/donate or P.O. Box 842 Elizabethton, TN 37644.

Please share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.