Marie Ann Degear, 47, of Groton, passed away on January 24, 2024 in Creston, IA, surrounded by family.
She was born March 6, 1976 in Syracuse, a daughter of Betty (Deyo) Merithew, of Groton, and the late George Merithew, Sr. A lifelong area resident, she loved music & animals, flowers & gardens, motorcycle rides & traveling, barbeques & bonfires, and, most of all, her family.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Walter L. Degear, of Groton; her children: Frank Mills, Jr. (Jesse), Trey Mills, Andrew Mills, Steven Mills, Madison Mills, and Kathryn Jones (Timothy); six grandchildren; siblings: Jack (Cindy), Rick, & Mildred Merithew, and Sarah Egnor (Bob); mothers-in-law, Rondi Edwards and Janet Fairchild (George); brothers and sisters-in-law: Brian Edwards (Tricia), Alan Edwards, Jr. (Theresa), Dena Heath (Doug), Kimberly Elster (Mike), Jodi Lobdell (Jerry), and Joseph Homza (David); and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her father, she was predeceased by a brother, George Merithew, Jr., and her fathers-in-law, Alan Edwards, Sr. and Keith Degear.
A memorial gathering will be held in the springtime. Local arrangements are entrusted to the Shurtleff Funeral Home, Groton, and condolences may be shared at www.shurtleffservices.com .