Colfax – Merlin "Dewey" McAlerney, 86, of Colfax, passed away at 8:00am, November 13, 2019, at The Loft Rehabilitation and Nursing of Normal.

Cremation has been accorded.

A celebration of life will be held from 12-5:00pm, Saturday, November 23, 2019, at the Colfax American Legion.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Hospital.

Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Colfax is in charge of arrangements.

Dewey was born August 29, 1933, in Davenport, IA, the daughter of Robley and Genevieve Hill Lienau. Her parents along with her sister, Lorraine Hooper preceded her in death.

Surviving are her children, Linda Enns of Palm Springs, FL, Scott Graham of Davenport, IA, Patrick (Krista) McAlerney of Bloomington, Tricia (Tim) Houchins of Colfax, and Melissa (Steven) Cooper of Chenoa; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and one sister, Jolene (Herb) Lane of LA.

Dewey was a foster parent for many years.

She was a member of Moose Heart and Eagles Lodge in Bloomington. She was a past board member of the Village of Colfax, and a member of the Colfax United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir.

Dewey enjoyed bowling and being a part of several bowling leagues.

She will always be remembered as " A Mom to Many".