Cade, Merriam Elaine 1924-2012

CADE, HAND, SWALE, WULFEKUHLE

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 4/13/2024 at 12:22:10

Merriam Elaine Cade
1924 - 2012
Urbandale

Iles Funeral Homes - Westover Chapel
6337 Hickman Road
Des Moines, Iowa

Merriam Cade, 87, passed away Monday, March 5, 2012, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at Iles Funeral Homes-Westover Chapel with entombment to follow at Resthaven Mausoleum.

Merriam was born June 21, 1924 in rural Hawkeye, Iowa, the third daughter of four girls born to Olive Lillian (Swale) Hand and David Isreal Hand. She attended country school at Windsor #2 and in 1942 completed her high school education at West Union High School, taking the offered course of secretarial training. Merriam worked in Waterloo as a comptometer operator and later at the First National Bank in Oelwein. She was married to William C. Cade Jr. of Oelwein on November 24, 1950, and they moved to Des Moines where Mr. Cade was employed with Anaconda Wire & Cable Co.

After moving to Des Moines she worked downtown at the Iowa Des Moines National Bank and later at the same bank in Urbandale. Merriam enjoyed the work where she was in contact with people. To this union a son David W. Cade was born and she gladly gave up her career to care for him and enjoyed his every year as he grew up.

Being a farmer's daughter she appreciated all things in nature and joined The Des Moines Garden Club in 1958 spending her free time gardening and especially caring for her flowers. She enjoyed taking part in the many flower shows as a designer and instructed design for several years. Merriam has chaired many of the civic committees each year since, as she so believed in promoting the knowledge of horticulture and protection of our environment. Her club honored her in making her a State Life Member of the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa and an Honorary Member of The Greater Des Moines Garden Club. Merriam also belonged to Za Ga Zig Auxiliary, The Urbandale Womens Club, The Botanical Center and The Grace United Methodist Church.

Leaving to cherish her memory is her son David, his wife Ardi, granddaughter, Allison Michelle (Brian) Wulfekuhle and two great grandchildren, Reese and Cade. She was so proud of each and loved them dearly, always looking forward to spending time with them. She is also survived several nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Merriam was preceded in death by her husband and three sisters.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Iles Funeral Homes-Westover Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital in Iowa City. Online condolences may be made at IlesCares.com.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Iowa Methodist Medical Center CCU for the compassionate care Merriam received.

Published by the Des Moines (IA) Register 08 March 2012.