Obituary of Merrill Francis Garbutt

Merrill Francis (nee Rooks) Garbutt went to be with her Lord while surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 26, 2015. She was born in Zion on May 9, 1923, where she attended school and lived all of her life. She loved her family unconditionally. On June 6, 1946, her father, JB Rooks, along with her husband Bert, established Rooks Restaurant in Zion and worked there until her retirement. Door County was a big part of their lives and an open door policy was status quo for family and friends. They would spend winter months in Destin Florida with friends for many years. Merrill has been a lifelong member of the Christ Community Church (formally known as the Christian Catholic Church). Survivors include daughter, Judith Ann (Frank) Slazes of Lake Villa; son, George Franklin (Penny) Garbutt of Zion; twelve grandchildren, Larry Hallgren, Dawn (Kenny) Swindle, Crystal (Ryan) Mendoza, Pamela (John) Abbio, Patricia (Richard) Ouimette, Janine LaBelle, Merrill Hope (Cole) Busch, Mike Albers, Wesley and Alexandra Garbutt, Dustin and Nick Mitchell; fourteen great Grandchildren, Aleaha, Tyler, Trent, Courtney, Troy, Brittney, Jory, Pryde, Marisa, Matteo, Joshua, Zachary, Ashlynn and Raylan; two great-great grandchildren, Anne Marie, Brody Jacob. Merrill was preceded by death of her husband of 61 years, Robert H. Garbutt; and her daughter Lora Lee Albers. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 9, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion with Pastor Langley officiating. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made to the Camp Zion advance project.