Mary Jane Merchant

Mary Jane Merchant, 89, of Washington, died Saturday, January 24, 2015, in Presbyterian Senior Care. She was born November 23, 1925, in Grafton, West Virginia, a daughter of Earsel Rutz McGowan and Lelia Inus Yeager McGowan. Mrs. Merchant graduated from Washington High School in 1943. She worked as a clerk in the men’s department of Montgomery Ward’s and was a homemaker. She loved traveling, antiquing, home decorating and reading, and was involved in card clubs. Mrs. Merchant was a member of Church of the Covenant. On June 23, 1945, she married John H. Merchant, who died August 26, 2006. Surviving are a son, Daniel Lee Merchant of New York City, New York; a daughter, Susan Diane Merchant (John) Hudock of Avella; a sister, Betty Lee (the late Jack) Murray of Lady Lake, Florida; and two grandchildren, Patrick John Hudock and Heather Jo Hudock. Deceased are four brothers, Carl “Dick” McGowan, Charles McGowan, Earsel “Junney” McGowan, Jr., and Clyde McGowan. Friends will be received Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, January 28th. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted at the funeral home, but donations to Mrs. Merchant’s favorite charity, The Salvation Army, would be appreciated as well.