Merian Ackles Obituary

Merian Corean Wharton Ackles was born in Kewanna, Indiana, on April 20, 1926 to Edith Calvin Wharton and Marion Myers Wharton. She was married to Donald James Ackles and had four children: Connie Ackles, James Ackles (Jane Mahieu), Janet Ackles Horvath (Ken Horvath), Nancy Ackles (Roy Roelke). Two grandchildren: Douglas Ackles and Christen Ackles Craver (Dustin). Four great-grandchildren: Broden, Seamus, Mishka, Johannes.
She had one brother, George "Bill" Wharton (Barb), and their children, Kathy Wharton, Deb Wharton McCay, and Mike Wharton (Beth Wharton), and their children.
Mimi was blessed with a second family via her 34 years as caregiver, nanny, babysitter, friend, to the Joines and Edmond families. Connie and Mikes Joines, their children and grandchildren; Brian Joines (Ashley) their children; Ella and Ava Joines, Jeff Joines (Emily) their children Will, Tommy, Peter, Mary Kate Joines, Kelly Joines Conner (Logan) their children Scarlett, Julian, Quincy Conner, Grace Joines. Sharon and Matt Edmonds, their children and grandchildren Caitlyn Edmond Hadenhorst (Rob) their children Willa, Lyla, and George Hadenhorst, Corey Edmonds (Michelle), Christina Edmonds, Connor Edmonds (Anna) their child August Edmonds, Cat Edmonds, Caroline Edmonds.
Mimi, as she preferred to be called, was a proud graduate of John Adams High School Class of 1944. Upon graduation, she worked at Hass Wholesale for six years as an office assistant and switchboard operator. We wonder if that is where her classic phone greeting of "Yellow" not "hello" originated! Again, if you've ever called Mimi on the phone, you just smiled! Back in the 70's, Mimi did at home gig work, before it was popular, operating drill bit machinery out of the basement for Foret Plastics, Niles, MI. She did this all while being a stay-at-home mom raising her four kids; caretaking, reading, cleaning, cooking, and taxi service for school and sports activities. She set the one-day record of six trips up and down the road to Edwardsburg for kids, school, work, etc. As the kids grew, she ventured back to the outside, worked at Fox Photo, as a photo processor yes, before cell phones.
Eventually, life guided her back to her true gift and life's work passion, raising kids! As with anything in life, you just don't know how things will unfold! What started as a babysitting gig for one for Connie Joines, grew into a referral to Sharon Edmonds, which grew into a lifetime of Mimi! She shared her greatest gifts with their combined ten kids: stability (she was always there to meet the bus or drive them to wherever they needed to go), a trusted confidant (always listened with a genuine heart), caretaker (healed their wounds outside and inside), and of course, feeding! What would it be without those once-a-week staples: Mimi's chicken with real potatoes and chocolate chip cookies! As they grew from babies, to adults, the connection remained. Up to the last week of her life, she was still listening, asking questions, caring, and giving some Mimi wisdom! The relationship with her employers, Connie and Sharon, grew into a cherished friendship; she loved them as her own! As someone once said, "Everyone needs a Mimi in their life!" As much as she gave to them, the Joines and Edmonds gave tenfold back to her, enriching and blessing her life in so many ways! Thank you! Mimi's lesson for raising kids: "Be Firm, Be Fair, and Be Consistent."
Throughout her life, Mom loved theatre, plays, musicals, poetry, reading, and the arts! She was part of the drama group at Adams High School. Her theatrical participation passion was put on hold once marriage and kids prevailed. She was thrilled when her passion was reignited upon joining the Waterford Senior Living Players! Mom loved bowling on a women's and mixed-double bowling league and had a couple 200 games pins on her lapel. She loved cards: Contract Bridge, pinochle, and of course, Hoyle Euchre! She loved music, especially Barbershop music! Nothing brought her more joy than when she saw her son, Jim, singing barbershop with the Lighthouse chorus! Mom was very social; give her options for a card came, a play, bingo, live music, and she was there! Lesson: Never stop participating, playing, enjoying what brings you happiness.
Mimi loved her sports! She fondly recalled going with her mother to see the South Bend, Blue Sox's, women's softball team. A diehard Cubs fan for 60+ years, which she passed on to all her kids, brainwashing! She was so grateful to see the Cubbies 2016 World Series victory, and yes, she cried! A lifelong Notre Dame fan, specifically, 25 year season ticket holder to ND women's basketball! Mimi did a lot of hand clapping cheering and hand ringing watching oh so many games! She knew her sports and passed down that foundational life skill knowledge to all her kids! Lesson: ND / sports is life!
Never wanting to be left behind, mom rebirthed her office skills via home computer with email a daily must! In her 70s, she learned how to use a cell phone, and at the young age of 92 during COVID, while talking through the window, learned how to use an Apple phone for facetime options. Mimi lesson: Keep up with technology!
Mom cared deeply for and about everyone in her life! She was a member of Hope Methodist Church in Edwardsburg, MI, and her prayer list was long! She was a good mom, a true friend to many, and a worrier of way too much! If you were in her circle, she helped carry your burdens on her shoulders; she encouraged you, supported you, cheered on your successes, and was always, always there in your darkest of days! She was strong, wise, passionate, spoke the truth, and kept her mouth shut too!
Mom wanted her life to be celebrated, that's what we will do! Please celebrate her by daily being kind, listening, caring about what is going on in other people's lives, be encouraging, smile, put on your lipstick! And when someone tells you "I love you," respond, "Love you More!"
Per Mom's direction," If you are attending my services do NOT wear Black, wear bright colors; I want this to be a celebration!" If you truly know Mom, Mimi, you just smiled! Yes, to this moment she remains in control!
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00pm on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Palmer Funeral Homes – Welsheimer North Chapel 17033 Cleveland Rd. South Bend, IN 46635.
Memorial contributions in honor of Mimi Ackles may be donated to Pet Refuge, Inc., 4626 S. Burnett Drive, South Bend, IN 46614 (www.petrefuge.com) or to Cass District Library, Edwardsburg Branch, Building Fund, 26745 Church Street, Edwardsburg, MI 49112 (www.Cass.districtlibrary.org).
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