Published on December 21, 2025 7:36 pm
Last Updated on December 21, 2025 7:36 pm
Merita Ann Elson, 77, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025 prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Shumway at a later date. Memorials may be made to Crossroads Cancer Center. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Merita was born on December 18,1948, in Effingham, IL the daughter of Leroy and Leona (Feldhake) Zacha. She married John Lee Elson on November 27, 1970 in Shumway, IL, and to this union three children were born. Merita was a caring person and enjoyed taking care of others. She was employed for 35 years from 1980-2015 at HSHS St. Anthony’s Hospital in Effingham. After retirement, she enjoyed being there for her neighbors and friends, even if it was just to sit and be a companion. Merita also found joy spending time with her grandchildren baking and going thrifting. Silk Purse was her favorite place to go. Merita liked reading and watching the classics on TV, especially Andy Griffith. She also enjoyed her coffee time with her sisters.
Merita is survived by her children, Robert Elson (Jennifer) of Dixon, MO, Timothy Elson (Christie) of Neoga, IL, and Evelyn “Susie” Tolch (Brian) of Effingham, IL; grandchildren, Riley Elson, Dartanyan Elson, Samantha Selby, Wes Elson (Ashlyn), Kiley Tolch, Kaley Tolch, Keyara Tolch, and Khloe Tolch; great-grandchildren, Logan Elson and Jackson Selby; siblings, Michael Zacha, Jane Heuerman, Cheryl (David) Burns, Mary Ann (Paul) Meyer, Roger (Judy) Zacha, Martin (Cheryl) Zacha, Christopher (Kimberlee) Zacha, and Theresa (Jerry) Kollman; brothers-in-law, David Fuesting and Dave Rubsam; and sisters-in-law, Shirley Zacha and Julie Bible.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, John Zacha, Ronald Zacha, Daniel Zacha; sisters, Barbara Rubsam and Diana Fuesting; and brother-in-law, Rick Heuerman.