Merlyn Berdine Haley, 77, of Festus died Aug. 22, 2020, at Baisch Nursing Center in De Soto. Mrs. Haley was a longtime employee at Petit Paree Restaurant in Festus as a hostess, waitress, cook, bartender and eventually part owner. She was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Crystal City and the Twin City Optimist Club, and was an American Cancer Society volunteer and Relay For Life organizer. Born Nov. 30, 1942, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of Helen (Brooks) Whitter of De Soto and the late Marvin Whitter.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband: Thomas Patrick Haley of Festus; two daughters: Sherri Bequette-Dorlac of Hillsboro and Missy (Chris) Godier of Festus; four grandchildren: Lindsay and Kelsey Dorlac and Katie and Kierstin Godier; and three sisters: Gloria (the late Bud) Boyts of De Soto, Patricia (the late Bobby) Dennis of Farmington and Nancy (Bill) Meyers of Bentonville, Ark.
She was preceded in death by an infant sister: Deloris Whitter; and a brother: Carlus Whitter.
A memorial gathering is scheduled at 2 p.m. until a memorial service at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Burial will take place at a later date in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.