Merle H. Berry

Monday, February 16, 2004

DANBURY -- Merle H. Berry, 64, of Danbury, died Friday (Feb. 13, 2004) at Community Hospital of McCook.

He was born March 25, 1939, to John Gerald and Violet Evelyn (Clayton) Berry in Danbury. He grew up in Decatur County and attended high school in Norcatur. He received his general education diploma from McCook Junior College.

On Oct. 25, 1976, he married Ardith (Engelhardt) Mathes at St. John's Lutheran Church in Ashcreek Community southeast of McCook. The couple spent their married lives in Danbury. He was employed with the City of McCook and was a heavy equipment operator for Red Willow County. He was mayor of Danbury at the time of his death.

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and served on the improvement committee in Danbury. He was involved in many community and civic activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Marlin "Bud" Berry in 2000; and sister-in-law, Janice Berry in 2002.

Survivors include his wife, Ardie Berry of Danbury; two sons, Michael Mathes of Salina, Kan., and Jerry Berry of Boise, Idaho; two daughters, Sharla Graham of Buffalo, Wyo., and Sherri Forbes and husband, Richard of Georgetown, Texas; one brother, Steve Berry and wife, Chris of McCook; two sisters, Joan Thummel and husband, Joe of Salina and Janice Messersmith and husband, Larry of Maywood; nine grandchildren and two god children.

Services are Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church in McCook with the Rev. Mark Stahla officiating. Interment will be in the Hamburg Cemetery between Danbury and Lebanon.

Memorials can be given in his name and friends may call Herrmann Funeral Home from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.