Myrna M. Merriner, 51, of Sparta died Saturday, January 21, 2006 in her home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on April 1, 1954 in Sparta to John and Virginia (Gudbaur) Winterfield. Myrna attended Sparta High School. She dedicated her life to caring for the elderly. She enjoyed working in her flower beds, watching the Packers and spending time with her family and friends.

     She is survived by her husband, Sherman Merriner of Sparta; four sons, Michael Peters of Traverse City, MI, Brent Peters of Loveland, CO, John Mulvaney and his wife Melissa of EauClaire, WI, Bryan Peters of Loveland, CO; her stepchildren, Sherman (Drew) of Traverse City, MI, Cherese Akavaine of Oshkosh, WI, Karen Reidlinger of Interlochen, MI; her father, John Winterfield of Sparta, and her sister, Janet Miller and husband, Lloyd of Eureka, SD.

     She was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Winterfield, and a brother, Eric Winterfield.

     Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta with Reverend Dean Staffanson officiating.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home on Monday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of services.

     The family wishes that in lieu of flowers, memorials be donated to the Sparta Area Cancer Support. The family wishes to thank Gundersen Lutheran Hospice services as well as friends of the family for their support.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.