Verylene Ann (Merrill) Burris

Verylene Ann Burris, formerly of West Terre Haute, passed away peacefully in her daughter’s home on October 24, 2018, after her battle with Dementia.

Verylene was born in Jefferson, South Dakota to Veryl (Dick) and Charlene Merrill on July 2nd 1951. She graduated with her Bachelors Degree in Nursing; eventually moving to Indiana where she met her soulmate.

Verylene worked as a registered nurse for 40 years beginning in the ICU at Union Hospital and then transferring to the dialysis unit where she became a director of nursing for many years until her position ended. She then transferred to hospice/VNA; a job that she loved and the patients and families loved her compassion as much in return.

Verylene loved playing softball, bowling, coaching youth bowlers, Garth Brooks and spending time with her nieces in Nashville, spending time with her friends, her dialysis dollies who all became sisters, family and most importantly her grandchildren. They were her world.

Verylene’s heart, faith, compassion and spirit is one that will be missed immensely by all who knew her.

Verylene is survived by her daughter Merrilee (Chris) Laesch, Sons; Bradley and Douglas Burris. Siblings Vicki (Rick) Eberhart, David (Mary) Merrill, Mark (Melissa) Merrill, Stephanie (Chris) Fincke and sister-in-law, Carolyn Pierce. Grandchildren Colden and Rowan Laesch, Cameron Burris and Camden Burris. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and countless close friends.

Verylene was preceded in death by her parents Dick and Charlene, nephew Ian Fincke, brother Paul Merrill, brother-in-law Jack Pierce, stepson Matthew Burris and her beloved husband Harry Burris who passed away 3 days after their 40th wedding anniversary on December 31st, 2016.

Visitation will be at Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 North 3rd St., West Terre Haute, IN on Friday November 2nd  from 4-8pm, with a rosary service at 7 PM.

Mass of the Christian burial will be held at St. Mary’s Village Church on Saturday November 3rd at 11am, with Father Joe Feltz officiating.  Burial will follow at Little Flock Cemetery in Shelburn, Indiana.

Online condolences can be left at:  www.fitzpatrickfunerals.com