Baker City, Oregon
Matilda “Tillie” Merritt, 79, a longtime Baker City resident, died March 20, 2004, at St. Elizabeth Health Care Center.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St. Pastor Dennis Marttala of the First Lutheran Church will officiate.
Matilda was born Nov. 25, 1924, to Thomas and Amy Barry of Venice, Calif.
On Oct. 27, 1951, she married Clarence “Don” Merritt of Baker City, whom she met while they were both employed at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft. She later spent several years working for Ralph’s Supermarket in Southern California until the couple moved to Baker in 1972 where they spent several years in motel and restaurant management.
Matilda loved camping and family outings. Her other hobbies included cooking, sewing and crocheting.
She is survived by a sister, Mary Meyers of California; a foster daughter, Tammy Marie of Baker City; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, two brothers and her husband of 53 years, Don Merritt.
Memorial contributions in Mrs. Merritt’s memory may be directed to Pathway Hospice, 1904 Resort St., Baker City, OR 97814, or through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place Street, Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, March 26, 2004
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor