Merilyn Bates, 77, of Washington, formerly of Quincy, IL, passed away on March 7, 2023 at OSF St. Francis in Peoria.

Merilyn was born May 29, 1945 to the late Maude H. (Safford) and Clyde R. Pulsifer in Lewistown, ME.

Merilyn is survived by her children (from a previous marriage to T. Scott Bates of Quincy, Bethany (Jeff) Thate of Washington, and Christopher (Jennifer) Bates of

Portland, OR; her sisters; Edith Little and Joan "Tootie" Ricker; her brothers; Robert Pulisfer, Howard Pulsifer, and Barry Pulsifer; and her 4 grandchildren; Gabe and Alex Thate; and Claire and Asher Bates.

She is preceded in death by 7 other siblings.

Merilyn was the eleventh of thirteen children and grew up in Turner, ME. She continued her education later in life and received her BA in psychology from Quincy College in 1986, and her master's degree in psychology and counseling from Goddard College in 1998. She worked as a social worker for the state of Missouri for many years. Merilyn loved the outdoors and enjoyed her time living at Lake of the Oaks and as a member of the Kahoka chapter of Order of the Eastern Star. In 2017 she moved to Washington to be closer to family and during her years living there she loved attending her grandchildren's sports events and theater and dance productions.

Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory has assisted the family with arrangements. Cremation rites will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in her memory to:

Nitsch Theatre Arts

204 Arnold Rd, East Peoria, IL, 61611

https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/1976599

Or:

National Audubon Society

https://www.audubon.org