It is with great sadness that we announce that Iris Merk of Unity, Saskatchewan passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on December 16, 2023 at Jubilee Home in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan.

Iris was born in Prince Albert Saskatchewan to John & Zalla Bannerman on December 6, 1936. She grew up in Leoville, SK and graduated from high school in 1954. After graduation she went on to Teachers’ College in Saskatoon and graduated with a 1-year diploma in Education in 1955. Her first teaching placement was at Broadacres, SK in a one room school at the age of 18 years old. It was there that she met the love of her life – Roy Merk. Iris and Roy married in 1957 in Uranium City and went on to farm near Broadacres, Saskatchewan. They raised three boys; Timothy, James and Rodney and continued to farm until Roy’s passing September 26, 1988. In 1976, they turned the farm into grain only and moved to Unity where Iris returned to teaching. Iris taught kindergarten at St. Peter’s Elementary School until her retirement in 1996. Through her time with St. Peter’s, she went back to University and earned her Bachelor of Education degree - a very proud moment for both her and her family.

In her retirement Iris volunteered on the Unity Hospital Auxiliary Board, St. Peter’s Parish, the Unity Music Festival, and was a lifelong member of the CWL and the Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation.  She loved her grandchildren and looked forward to their annual summer visits filled with lessons in baking, sewing, canning pickles, bread making and gardening. She attended as many dance recitals, Christmas concerts, and sporting events as possible.

Iris is survived by her sister Rita (Jim) of Victoria, her brother Don (Ross) of Calgary, sons Timothy (Joanne) of Lloydminster, James (Juline) of Calgary and Rodney (Reana) of Cold Lake as well as her grandchildren Terra (Tony), Braedon (Chay), Georgia, Jameson (Chaveli), Taylor (Ethan), Brooklyn (Jeremie) and great grandchildren Trinity, Lincoln, and Bronco as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Iris is predeceased by her husband Roy Merk, Grandson Kyle Merk, brother Bert Bannerman and her parents Zalla & John Bannerman and stepfather Paul Poilievre.

 A Funeral Service will be held for Iris Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at 1:30 pm -  St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Unity, SK . It was Iris’ request for everyone to join the family in the church basement after the service to socialize, share stories, a few laughs and a few tears. A light lunch will be provided by the CWL.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter’s Church or the CWL.