White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Merilyn L. Beebe, 77 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at Lexington Estate in Independence.  She was born in Buchanan County, Iowa, on August 15, 1939, the daughter of Forrest and Elaine (Sickles) Payne.  She graduated from high school in Winthrop, Iowa, with the Class of 1957.  On November 31, 1957, she and Paul Dean Beebe were married in Los Angeles, California.  He preceded her in death in 2009.  Mrs. Beebe was an active 4-H member in her childhood.  She was always ready to help with organizations and activities of her children.  She enjoyed baking and sewing.  She liked to enter her finished products at the Buchanan County Fair and had many blue ribbons to show for her efforts.

Mrs. Beebe is survived by 3 sons, Michael (Kimberly) Beebe, Bret Beebe, and Jon (Wendy) Beebe, all of Independence, Iowa, 2 daughters, Diane (Glenn) West of Madison, Alabama, and Kathryn (Peter) Hru of Chicago, Illinois, and 11 grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, 1 daughter, Nancy Ann, in infancy, 1 sister, Verla Payne, and 1 brother, Donald Payne.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2017, at Hope Wesleyan Church in Independence with Rev. Bob Solon officiating.  Burial will be in Wilson Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, June 23^rd, at the White Funeral Home in Independence.