L. Fern Merritt
L. Fern (Swope) Merritt, 72, of Polson, MT, peacefully went home to be with our Lord on Friday, June 25, 2010.
Born on July 20, 1937 in Miles City, MT, Fern was the third of nine children to Fredric and Ellen Green Swope. In 1952, the family moved to Lonepine, MT where they continued ranching and where she also met her future husband, Rex Merritt. They were joined in matrimony on September 30, 1961 in Polson, MT. Together, on their ranch in Irvine Flats, Fern and Rex raised eight children.
For many years, Fern was a leader of the local 4-H chapter. During her free time she was a self taught and accomplished cake decorator for many local weddings, anniversaries, and special occasions. Her other hobbies included gardening, woodworking, sewing, quilting, and genealogy.
Among her many accomplishments was the completion of a crazy quilt made from special fabrics spanning over one hundred years. Recently, she had also completed a large family cookbook with recipes going back several generations. Last Christmas, Fern and Rex compiled a collection of family favorites and made a very special personalized cookbook for all their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, which they all dearly treasure.
Her greatest joy was having her children and family around her. She loved listening to the old memories, the laughter, watching them in the kitchen cooking and baking, just as she had taught them over the years.
Fern is preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Bertha Goettlich.
Those left with cherished memories are her loving husband of 49 years, Rex Merritt; their children, Patti, Bill, Polly, Rose, Barb, Heather, Carolyn, Mike, and their spouses; 15 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; sisters, Kathleen and Evelene; brothers, Chuck, Clarence, John, Lee, and Ronnie, and their spouses and families.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 3:00 PM at the Lonepine Hall in Lonepine, MT. Rev. Mark Calhoun of First United Methodist Church, Polson, will officiate. Burial will follow at Murray Memorial Cemetery, Lonepine, and a reception will be held in the hall. Friends may visit with Fern’s family in Lonepine Hall one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. The family has suggested memorials to either the Special Olympics, the Lonepine Hall, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mrs. Merritt’s family.
Rex and family,
We are so sad to hear of Fern’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Bruce and Jan Agrella
The Merritt Family,
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you as you deal with the loss of such a special loved one. Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow! Hugs to all, Debbie & Denis Morey (Quonset Quick-Lube)
Rex and family, so sorry to here of Fern’s passing. My condolences and prayers go out to you and here family. I hurts my brain to try to remember about all the interactions with you and your childern and all the ups and downs you have been through. Again my thoughts and prayers are with you. Dennis DeVries
Rex and Family..so sorry to learn of Fern’s passing. She was a very talented with the beauitful squaw dresses she made and the beautiful cakes. Always a warm smile for everyone. Our thoughts are with each of you at this difficult.
Carolyn, I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. Mothers are very special people and no one but their children can mourn them the way you do. It sounds as if your mother was an extremly active and loving mom. You are a special person and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Florence
Sorrow is for those of us left behind…..joy to those who reach Heaven’s Shores and are no longer suffering! My heartfelt sympathy to you all as you learn to live without the earthly presence of such a beautiful lady!
Amy
I am so sorry for your loss…she was a lovely genuine beustiful woman.
This was absolutely beautiful. I love all of you so much. I will miss you Grandma.
Love,
Jessie
Rex and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you. Even though we are unable to be with you tomorrow, God will be standing with you Rex, as the head of the family, to hold you up when you need it. God stands beside each of you, the Merritt family, with peace as you find he is in control.
We love you all and God Bless,
Gary and Jeanette
So sorry for your loss! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
We wish to send our condolences to all the family. The short time we have known Fern and Rex has been one to remember. They are special people and we send our thoughts and prayers to all. We are thinking of you all today and for many days after.
Rex, Patty, Bill, Polly, Rosie, Barbie, Heather, Carolyn, and Michael. Fern was one in a million as you all know. Not only did she teach her own eight children, but she had a hand in teaching & guiding many more of her “other kids” whom I felt honored to be one of…her 4-H children. How many of us know how to take a length of cloth and sew a beautiful dress, or western shirt……or bake something special…….or cook a fried chicken dinner? And that is only a part of what Fern taught us. If only everyone could have the can do attitude of Fern, her warm smile, and the generosity she demonstrated for others. Take comfort in knowing she is happy and cooking up a storm with Bertha for a branding in heaven and she will patiently wait until she is with you again. Big Hugs for you all. Lorrie
Rex and families we are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are such a wonderful family to know. You are all loved by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. Jeff and Debbie Jones
Rex and family, I am so very sorry to learn of your tremendous loss. My memories go back to the TeePee Westwear days, and even beyond that. Fern always had such a warm smile and helpful ideas for all….. words are just inadequate at this time. We know that she brightens Heaven as she did all the lives she touched here. Be strong, Joanie
Bill and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. No words to express the loss. But the memories are forever.
Sorry I wasn’t able to make the sevice.
God Bless,
Barb and family,
Please know we are thinking about you in this time of your loss.
Sincerely,
Sandy and Otis
We were so sorry to hear of your loss, Barb.
May warm memories of your mother help you through this hard time. Our sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.
Skip & Pam White