Obituary of Leona Velma Jean Merritt

Leona Velma Jean Merritt Dec. 11, 1929 – Jun. 2, 2020 The Journey of My Life It was beautiful as long as it lasted, the journey of my life. I have no regrets whatsoever save the pain I’ll leave behind. Those dear hearts who love and care… and the strings pulling at the heart and soul… The strong arms that held me up when my own strength let me down. At every turning of my life I came across good friends, friends who stood by me even when time raced by me. Farewell, farewell my friend. I smile and bid you goodbye. No, shed no tears for I need them not. All I need is your smile. If you feel sad do think of me for that’s what I’ll like. When you live in the hearts of those you love remember then, you never die. -Rabindranath Tagore Leona Velma Jean Merritt (Jean) passed away on June, 2nd 2020, 1:11 am at the age of 90. She passed away in Elma, Washington. Jean married at the age of 16 to her husband, Wesley Merritt (both from Oklahoma). Jean loved reminiscing about all the places both domestic and international that she and Wesley had lived and visited. Jeans favorite hobbies were rollerskating, dancing, and listening to country gospel music, and at the age of 90, she started playing the harmonica. They were married for 56 yrs when she lost her husband in 2001 to asbestos lung cancer. Jean is survived by her daughter Karen Balcombe and husband Robert Balcombe who had graciously taken the last 3yrs to take care of Jean in their home along with her granddaughter Misty Jean and husband George Brown and grandson Wesley Merritt. Jean is survived by her niece Debbie Sue Moffitt-Madrid who called her and sent her letters in the mail, which made Jeans day. Jeans granddaughter Deanna Furman called and gave her grandma many smiles. A good friend Dywane visited her daily. They were there along this journey with Karen while Jean spread her wings and descended into heaven to be with her husband Wesley. Furthermore, she is survived by additional family members, a daughter Martha and Gary Brown, son Lynn and Libby Merritt, and three other grand kids and great-grand kids. She proceeded in death as the last of the Tate children brother Coy Tate, Sister Dorthy Harkey, Sister Myrtle Berzanksy, and Sister Perline Merritt. There will be no funeral services conducted for Jean Merritt. Please share your happy memories in the guest book. Till we meet again - Loving Wife, Mom, and Grandma