Merriam Adell (Nelson) Diederich of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Dec. 18, 2014, at St. Mary’s.

She was born to Emile and Eldora (Patch) Nelson in Austin on Dec. 25, 1928. She was married to William B. Diederich on Dec. 27, 1947, at St. Augustine’s Parrish house. Merriam graduated from Austin High School in 1947, and was later employed at Pearce Telephone Equipment.

She is survived by her husband, William B. Diederich; her daughters: Deanna (Tom) Lifka, and Barb Diederich; and her son, Bob Diederich; as well as four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Merriam was preceded in death by her parents Emile and Eldora (Patch) Nelson; and her two sisters: Betty McDonald, and Barbara Jean Kummer.

Services are pending with the family.