Avyce Willodean "Willo" Van Orsdoll, age 85, of Elkhart, passed away unexpectedly at 2:04 pm Monday, March 23, 2009 at Elkhart General Hospital of natural causes. Willo was born February 6, 1924 in Sidney, Indiana to the late Ernest and Bertha "Pearl" (Radcliff) Merrick. Mrs. Van Orsdoll graduated from South Whitley High School in 1942, and went on to earn an Associates Degree in Accounting. On September 17, 1943, the former Ms. Merrick was united in marriage to Mr. Eugene Guy Van Orsdoll in South Whitley, Indiana. Eugene preceded her in death, passing away in 1990.
Surviving is her son, Roger J (Barbara) Van Orsdoll M.D. of Elkhart, and two daughters, Beth Ann (Chuck) Davis of Osceola, and Marsha Jo (Tom) French of Fairlawn, Ohio. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Willo was preceded in death by her brother Charles Willard Merrick and her sister Esther Niccum.
A graveside committal service will be held at 12:00 pm Saturday, March 28, 2009 at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Chapel Hill Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Willo was employed as an accountant for many years at D+W, Amfab, and Jack''s Trailer in Elkhart until her retirement in 1988. After retirement, she shared her gift of playing the piano for the residents of Eastlake Nursing Home, and other nursing homes in the Elkhart area. Additionally, she also enjoyed sewing and needlepoint. Willo was devoted to her family, and loved her cats. She read her Bible faithfully, was a member of Winding Waters Brethren Church, and more recently attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Elkhart. Lavender was her favorite color, and she especially enjoyed lavender colored irises.
In her memory, memorial donations may be given to either the Faith Mission in Elkhart, or East Lake Nursing Home of Elkhart.
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