Gladys Irene Meritt, 86, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family.  She was born on December 12, 1934 in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of Herman and Charlotte (Dennett) Gooden.  Irene was a graduate of Mount Carmel High School Class of 1952.

Irene married Leland Owen Meritt on October 8, 1952 and together they enjoyed forty-seven years of marriage centered on their family before his passing on January 6, 2000.  After his passing, Irene married Henry Anthis “Sonny” Rigg on January 24, 2003 and he preceded her in death on December 19, 2013.

Irene will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many.  She was a genuinely sweet person who loved life and people.  Irene treasured her family and always looked forward to travelling with them to new places.  She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed helping people with their alterations.  Irene was a member of the Mothers Club and the Garden Club where she enjoyed gathering with friends.  She was also a faithful member of Keensburg Christian Church and loved her church family.  Irene will be missed by her family and all who knew her.   

Irene will be remembered by her four daughters, Regina Locklear and husband Dexter, Sheri Meritt, Kim (Ron) Baker and Kay (David) Barrix; ten grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren with one on the way; many loved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her husbands, Leland Meritt and Sonny Rigg; son, Bruce Meritt; grandson, Jeffery Hendricks; brothers, Jack and Bob Gooden; sisters, Ida Belle McGuire, Darlene Lowery and Gayle Malcom.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, May 24, 2021 at Keensburg Christian Church in Keensburg, Illinois with Pastor Allan Wright officiating.   Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery.

Family and friends may gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Monday, May 24, 2021 at Keensburg Christian Church.

Social distancing, wearing of face coverings and use of hand sanitizer is recommended. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Irene’s memory to the Keensburg Christian Church or to Residential Hospice.  Envelopes will be available at the church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 N. Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements.  To view Irene’s tribute wall, leave condolences and purchase flowers for the Meritt family, please visit www.KeepesFuneralHome.com.