Dianna Lee Merrow

Dianna Lee Merrow, 80, of Marion, passed away on June 2, 2026.

Born on July 14, 1945, in Marion, Illinois, Dianna was the daughter of James A. Brown and Geneva (Shadowens) Brown. She married the love of her life, William J. Merrow, and together they built a life centered on faith and family.

Dianna was a talented homemaker who found joy in caring for those she loved. She enjoyed canning, baking, and cooking and was well known for the delicious meals she prepared for family and friends. She also enjoyed flower gardening, crocheting, collecting porcelain angels, and creating beautiful diamond art projects. Her family was the highlight of her days, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Dianna dearly loved her husband and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Those who knew her best would agree that she was lovingly “the boss” of the family.

Dianna was of the Pentecostal faith.

Throughout her working years, Dianna was employed in housekeeping and facilities management at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois, where she worked for 15 years. Earlier in life, she worked at the original Burger Chef on Main Street in Marion.

She is survived by her beloved husband, William Merrow; her sons, Ronald Merrow and Michael (Kandi) Merrow; her grandchildren, Samantha (James) Mancil, Alix (Bruno IV) Rentauskas, and Troy Merrow; three great-grandchildren; her brothers, James (Karen) Brown and Daniel (Tonya) Brown; her sister-in-law, Susan Doris; her brother-in-law, Thomas Merrow; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Geneva Brown; her mother-in-law and father-in-law; and her beloved granddaughter, Megan Merrow.

Blue Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. A memorial visitation will be held Monday, June 8, 2026, at Blue Funeral Home, 1704 North Court Street, Marion, Illinois, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, with Reverend Ralph Brandon officiating.  A memorial service will begin at noon at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made in Dianna’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.

To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit binkleyross.com.