Theda Mae (McClure) Merritt

Theda Mae Merritt

Theda Mae Merritt, 81, passed away July 27, 2008, at Halstead Health and Rehabilitation under the care of a kind and compassionate staff with the assistance and gentleness of Hospice Care of Kansas after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Theda was born Aug. 13, 1926, in rural Walton to Lester and Leto Miller McClure. She was the sixth child of 10.

Theda graduated from Walton High School and was married to Charles E. Merritt Jr. on Oct. 1, 1943. She was a member of the Walton United Methodist Church.

Theda was a lifetime member of the Newton and Walton communities. She began working as a Harvey Girl in the Newton Harvey House, where she met her husband. She worked in several businesses in the Newton area while raising her five children.

After retirement, she and her husband enjoyed spending several months a year in Branson, Mo. Branson was the perfect place for Theda to enjoy all of her hobbies, which included painting, porcelain doll making and other types of crafts. She proudly enjoyed painting the woodcarvings Charles created. She has left behind a lifetime of memories with her hobbies that will be cherished by her family.

Theda will be greatly missed by her husband, Charles, and her five children and spouses, Mike and Mary Ellen Merritt, Diane and Dennis Tangeman, Steve and Christine Merritt, Chuck and Marcia Merritt, and Cyndi and Wayland Saxton. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchild will forever remember their 'special Grandma Theda': Kim Stevenson, Todd Merritt, Jason Merritt, Jerod Merritt, Jennifer Leonard, Kirsten Stevenson, Dustyn Stevenson, Jordyn Stevenson, Cason Leonard, Denise Lofts, Dean Tangeman, Ryan Lofts, Luke Lofts, Chris Merritt, Wesley Edwards, Jeff Merritt, Sarah Merritt, Samantha Merritt, Madison Merritt, Matt Furhman, Cayle Furhman, Kaycee Saxton, Kaytee Saxton and Ian Saxton. Theda is also survived by six brothers and sisters: Betty Lou Smith, Joyce DuFriend, Janice Capps, Maurice McClure, Virgil McClure and Marvin McClure.

She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as brothers and sister, Viola Gillmore, Clayton McClure and Thelma Minard.

In keeping with Theda's wishes, private family graveside services were Friday at the Walton Community Cemetery with the Rev. Judith May officiating.

The family has requested that memorials, in lieu of other gifts to the family, be given to the following: Walton United Methodist Church, Hospice Care of Kansas, The Cancer Society or the Diabetes Association. Memorial contributions may be made in care of Baker Funeral Home, 114 N. Sycamore Street, Peabody, KS 66866.