of Allegan, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at her home surrounded by her family. Esther was born August 3, 1931, in Allegan, the daughter of Francis H. and Vera D. (Belden) Cook Sr. She graduated from Allegan High School in 1949 in the top ten of her class, she was a life member of the First Baptist Church in Allegan. Esther worked for Holiday Floral in Allegan for over 40 years. On July 16, 1949 Esther Cook married Virgil Merchant, who survives, also surviving are her 4 children, Janet and Roger Smith of Allegan, Denise and Ron Medemar of Allegan, Julie and Jeff Fell of Gull Lake and Joel and Betty Merchant of Allegan, 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 1 sister, Thelma and Ed Payne of St. Joe, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Esther was preceded in death by her grandson, Troy Smith, and 2 brothers, Vern and Francis Cook. Friends may meet with the family on Friday from 6-8 pm at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1 pm at the First Baptist Church in Allegan. Pastor Greg Carlson will officiate. Interment Mallory Cemetery, Trowbridge Twp., Allegan. Memorials may be made to the Frist Baptist Church or the Wings of Hope Hospice. Please click here to view the video tribute