Cook

Merle W. Cook, 63, of Hilliards passed away at 1:39 a.m. Saturday at UPMC Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh following an extended illness.

Born in Hilliards, Aug. 21, 1946, he was the son of the late Charles and Ethel Fisher Cook.

Merle retired in 2008 from the Mercer Lime and Stone Corp. after more than 40 years.

He was a member of the Hilliards United Methodist Church.

Mr. Cook enjoyed camping, spending time with his family and friends, and fishing with his grandson.

Surviving are his wife of 36 years, Martha Cook, who he married April 14, 1973; two daughters and their husbands, Ginger Ann (Brian F.) Kamerer of Butler and Christine M. (Richard Jr.) Kradel of Tionesta; one grandson, Justyn Kradel of Tionesta; and two brothers and their wives, Lee (Barb) Cook of Hilliards and Deryk (the Rev. Sherry) Cook of West Finley. Also surviving are a number of aunts, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Roy Cook.

<B>COOK</B>— At the request of Merle W. Cook, who died Saturday, Dec. 26,2009, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family at the Rosewood Cemetery in Ridgeville, Butler County.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Hilliards United Methodist Church, Hilliards, PA 16040.Arrangements were completed by the <B>Buzard Funeral Home</B> of Eau Claire.Information also is available at www.buzardfuneralhomes.com.