Eloise Merriman Novak, 85 of Monticello, passed away at 9:40am Sunday, February 14, 2010 at the Piatt County Nursing Home, Monticello.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am Thursday, February 18, 2010 at the Mackey-Wright Funeral Home with Rev. Alan Oman officiating.  Visitation will be from 5:30 - 7:30pm on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 and 10:30 - 11:00am on Thursday.

Eloise was born February 24, 1924 in Monticello, the daughter of Ralph Baker and Florence (Foster) Merriman.  She married Eugene Grove who was killed in France in 1944 during WW II, and then married Jack Novak on January 31, 1955 in Monticello.  He died September 21, 1986.

Survivors include her daughters; Michele "Mike" Karcher (husband Dave) of White Heath and Kelly Novak Sullan (husband Gary) of Champaign, grandchildren; Suzy Auteberry (Randy) of Monticello, Melinda Karcher of White Heath, Brandy Sherrick (Adam) of Normal, Stephanie Karcher-Ramirez (Armando) of Champaign, Matthew Sullan and Reid Sullan, both of Champaign, great-grandchildren; Rachel Auteberry of Mahomet, Olivia and Connor Auteberry both of Monticello, Jasmine Thompson and Xander Ramthun both of White Heath, Kristin, Nellie and Jackson Sherrick all of Normal, and Breahna Ramirez of Champaign, brother; Dwaine Merriman of Monticello, sister-in-laws; Beverly Merriman and Mary Merriman, several nieces and nephews.  Eloise was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, 2 brothers (Ralph "Bake" Merriman Jr., and John Robert "Bob" Merriman) and 2 sisters (Verna Merriman and Frances Merriman Brock).

Eloise worked as a sales clerk for Kaiser's Department Store in Monticello and Ben Franklin's in Bement.  Eloise enjoyed cooking and reading.

Memorials may be made to the Piatt County Nursing Home or the Christ Lutheran Church of Monticello.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com.