Merline (Clifton) Hartness, 86, of Gilbert, Arizona, formerly of Clinton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025, at Savanna House in Gilbert. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior and to be reunited with her beloved son, Mark.

Merline was born on May 20, 1939, in Clinton, Illinois, to Mearl Dean Clifton and Louise (Birge) Clifton, farmers in DeWitt County. She and her siblings, Darrell (deceased) and Ann, were raised with the blessings of rural life, where she learned the value of hard work and the strength of community ties. She excelled in sewing, cooking, and singing in the church choir, and was voted Homecoming Queen her senior year at Clinton High School.

She married Samuel Lee Hartness (deceased), and together they raised three sons: John Hartness, Paul Hartness, and Mark Hartness (deceased).

Survivors include her sister, Ann Goodmon, and Ann’s husband, Jack; their sons, Patrick Goodmon (Cyndi) and Andrew Goodmon (Heather); her son, John Hartness, and his wife, Beth; their children, Hannah Tucker (TJ), Jordan Rolik (Scott), and Marc Hartness (Emily); three great-grandchildren; her son, Paul Hartness; and her niece, Lee Anna (Hartness) Duck.

Merline was known as a hard worker, a loyal friend, and someone who never hesitated to lend a helping hand or bake a Texas sheet cake for someone in need. She had a soft spot for animals and found joy in simple moments shared with family and a good cup of coffee. She was a longtime member of First Christian Church of Clinton, Illinois, and a proud member of the Salt Creek Patchworkers quilting club. She deeply loved faith, family, quilting, and football, especially the Chicago Bears.

Honoring Merline’s wishes, no formal services will be held. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Calvert Funeral Home in Clinton, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to St. Louis Children’s Hospital or Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com