Obituary: Phyllis Carty Meranuck

Phyllis Meranuck, 1945–2024

Phyllis Carty Meranuck, 79, of Manchester, took her final breaths peacefully and with grace, Tuesday, July 9, 2024, with her children, spouse, and two dogs by her side at Brookdale Memory Care in Ann Arbor.

Phyllis was born on March 11, 1945, in Ypsilanti, Mich., to Howard and Bernadine (Peters) Carty. An only child, she cherished the memories of being with her father in their music store, Carty’s Music. She graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1963, completed undergraduate studies with Christian College of Columbia, Mo., and then received her Master’s Degree of Public Health from the University of Michigan in 1975. Phyllis worked for the Michigan Kidney Foundation, becoming vice president.

Phyllis married the love of her life, the late James Meranuck, in 1976; they had 12 wonderful years together and two children, before his passing in 1988. Phyllis and Jim purchased a 40-acre farm in Manchester in 1978, raising livestock, growing vegetables, and owning/operating a manufacturing product sales company. Before and after the death of her husband, Phyllis was an involved, supportive parent and community member. Later, Phyllis was employed at Chelsea Hospital for over 13 years as an emergency room social worker, working with the Lifeline service. She was a member of the Bethel United Church of Christ and the 20th Century Women’s Group.

On July 29, 2006, she married Thomas Golka, who survives. Phyllis and Tom loved to travel, taking 15 cruises together, enjoying live music and theater, and watching their children grow up. Phyllis enjoyed life to its fullest, loved to “chat,” and was a supportive mother and caring friend. Phyllis will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. When you see a daisy flower, think of Phyllis.

Phyllis has left behind to cherish her memory, her husband, Tom Golka; her children, Michael (Holly) Meranuck and Keegen (“Katie”) Meranuck; step-children, Devin (Amanda) Golka and Ashley (Erwin) Golka; grandchildren, Hayleigh, Kimberly, James, and Allison; six step-grandchildren; a special cousin, Karen Peters, and “like a daughter,” Heidi Miller. The family sends gratitude to the caregivers who contributed to the love and care of Phyllis in her final years.

The family of Phyllis will receive guests on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 4 to 8pm at Eineder Funeral Homes — Manchester Chapel. Then, on Monday, July 22, 2024, friends and family will assemble between 1:30 and 2:30pm at Eineder Funeral Home to form a processional, departing the funeral home at 2:30pm, proceeding to Bethel Church. Phyllis’ funeral service will follow at 3pm at Bethel United Church of Christ, Manchester. Burial to follow at Bethel Cemetery. Pastor David Bucholtz will officiate.

Memorial contributions can be made to Bethel United Church of Christ in Manchester or the Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Chapter. Please leave a message of comfort for Phyllis’s family or sign her guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.