Muriel Rathbun Mercer

Muriel Rathbun Mercer, 97,  passed away April 27, 2026, at McLaren Northern Michigan hospital in Petoskey. She was born April 29, 1928, at Highland Park to Winfred Rathbun and Lottie Wheeler Rathbun. She lived in Highland Park until the age of 20 years when she married William “Bert” Mercer of Highland Park. 

They were married for 62 years when he passed away in 2010. During their marriage they lived in Houghton until 1952 when Bert graduated from Michigan Tech University. 

They then lived in Waterford until 1984 when they moved to Presque Isle. They wintered in Arizona for 18 years. 

Muriel studied voice at the Detroit Institute of Musical Arts and was well known for her singing in Michigan and Arizona. In the Alpena area she sang in the Red Stocking Reviews, The Community Chorus and she soloed in many area churches. 

Muriel was also a china painter and taught china painting while living in Waterford. She was active in Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, PTA, Church Women’s Groups, The Presque Women’s Club, The Grand Lake Friends of the Library, The Red Hat Ladies, The Grand Lake Chapel Guild and served as a docent at the Presque Isle Lighthouse. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husba

nd; her parents; her beloved daughters, Dawn and Carol; her daughter-in-law, Donna; and her three brothers. Muriel is survived by her two sons, Dr. Mark Mercer (Johnna Driscoll) and Dr. Craig Mercer (friend Shawn Elise); two sons-in-law, Kurt Jensen and William Salo. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Douglas, Eryn, Alex, Laura, Diana and Julie; and three great-grandchildren Amelia, Will and Weston. 

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life service will take place at a later date this summer. Interment will be at the Presque Isle Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Huron Human Society, Grand Lake Fire Department or Prseque Isle District Library Grand Lake branch.