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.
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