Merrily Lynn Fantus

Merrily Lynn Fantus, 77, of Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 10, 2021.

She was born November 9, 1943 in Melrose Park, the daughter of the late Joseph and Alma Willard.

On April 25, 1964, Merrily was united in marriage to David Fantus in Island Lake.

After graduating from McHenry High School in 1961, Merrily commuted to downtown Chicago for a two-week course in Key Punching. This single course launched Merrily on a very successful career in Computer Operations, where she was the manager in various companies, including Sears Roebuck, Crane Packing, Honeywell and Ladd Construction Company.

One day, while working at Ladd Construction Company when they were building Coventry Subdivision, one of the company's owners came running into the computer room. He asked Merrily if she would research getting additional "English-sounding names" for additional streets that they needed. Looking up from her desk, she said "Essex, Suffolk, Sussex, Devonshire,..." Merrily provided 30 names contemporaneously for the Coventry Subdivision Streets!

In 1978, her husband's job was transferred to California. There, Merrily became a Cub Scout Leader and also a Teacher’s Aide. One day, an earthquake hit while Merrily was at her school job, and she instructed the children to get under their desks and to remain calm. No one was injured.

In 1983, Merrily returned to Crystal Lake, her husband's job having been transferred back to Illinois. Merrily joined the Island Lake Women's Club, where she became President from 2014-2016.

Merrily was the loving wife of David; beloved sister-in-law of Dona Willard; and cherished aunt of Jack Willard and Elizabeth (George) Gorsline.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Jonathan Fantus; and brother, Jack Willard.

Friends are welcome to visit with family on Friday, April 16, 2021 from 10am until the time of the funeral service at 12pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave (Rt. 176) Crystal Lake. Interment will be held privately.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate .