Karla Loy Merriam
March 28, 1944 – December 24, 2023
Karla Loy Poore Merriam, age 79, Butler, died Sunday, December 24, 2023, at The Heritage of Overland Park, Kansas. She was born March 28, 1944, to Clarence Myrl and Iris Irene Crozier Poore in Butler.
Karla, one of three daughters, grew up in Ballard, and was a 1961 graduate of Ballard High School.
She continued her education at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, where she obtained her Master’s in Education. She had lived in Ballard and Harrisonville and while attending college in Warrensburg she met Chester (Chet) Merriam. They married in Butler on June 10, 1967, and soon moved to Harrisonville and made their home there. Two sons were added to the family, making it complete. Karla started her career as a teacher and then transitioned into being a counselor at Harrisonville Elementary School for many years. Karla also co-owned with her husband, Chet, Merriam’s Plumbing and Pool Supply in Harrisonville. Karla joined Fairview Baptist Church as a young girl, then she and Chet moved their membership to Antioch Southern Baptist Church in Harrisonville when their sons joined that church.
Karla was known to be small but mighty, strong, feisty, solid, and strong-willed. She enjoyed going to garage sales, bargain shopping, drinking coffee with friends, and playing card games. Karla loved listening to Joel Osteen, traveling, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and teasing friends and family, especially her husband of 56 years, Chet.
Karla is survived by her husband, Chet Merriam of the home; their two sons, Martin Thomas (Shelly) Merriam, Lake Winnebago, and Brant Justin Merriam, Harrisonville; four grandchildren, Austin, Kennadi, Shannon, and Wyatt; a sister, Konna Shouse, Butler; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom loved their Aunt Karla. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Kristin LaDon Poore.
Visitation and funeral services were January 2, 2024, at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions to The Cure Starts Now Foundation, Fairview Baptist Church or Alzheimer’s Association.Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
