Norma Jean (Kailing) Merrill, age 83 of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2022 with family by her side. Norma Jean started life in rural Michigan, where her father was a logger and sawmill owner. She attended school at Saint Philip Neri Catholic, obtaining her GED later in life. Norma stepped up at an early age with the passing of her mother at the age of 6. Her greatest challenge in life was assisting in raising her siblings with the support of her neighboring family. As a young teenager, Norma met her soon to be husband, best friend and love of her life, Norman. Together, they would bring seven children into this world. With this large family, Norma was content to be a stay-at-home mother. When her children were mostly grown, together with Norman they owned Norms Grocery in the Heights for 25 years. She is survived by her sons Jack (Tammy) Merrill and Gary (Elizabeth) Merrill, daughters Susan (Thomas) Stahl, Jennifer (Reginald) Norris, Paula (James) Weipert; 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; sister Janette (Anthony) Sanginiti and brother Gene (Susan) Kailing. Her family is forever thankful to Diane Wesp, Normas best friend. Norma was preceded in death by her husband Norman, daughter Donna, son Douglas, father Francis Kailing, and mother Dorothy (Lenahan) Kailing. In many ways, she loved the beauty of nature. She was a calm soul and often provided guidance through the eyes of a wise, loving and forgiving mother. Norma is now at peace. Mass of the Resurrection will take place 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 6, 2023 at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids. The family will greet friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 5th at Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with a Rosary being prayed at 6:00 p.m. Norma will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Reed City in the Spring. Memorial contributions may be made in Normas name to Saint Mary Catholic School or Elara Caring Hospice. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Mass of the Resurrection Friday, January 6, 2023 11:00 AM St. Mary Catholic Church 1009 Marion Ave Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Thursday, January 5, 2023 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307 Rosary Thursday, January 5, 2023 6:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307