Peggy Jane Merritt

Peggy Jane Merritt, 69 of Fort Sumner, NM died Sunday, July 31, 2005 at her home following an illness. Peggy was born December 5, 1935 in Encino, NM to the home of Ted Young and the former Ruth Birchfield. She was reared and attended school at Encino, graduating with the class of 1954. Peggy married Neuman Merritt at her parent’s home in Encino on December 23, 1953. They made their home in Fort Sumner in 1970. She worked for Wertheim’s Department Store, Bootsie’s, and High Plains Aircraft Decorators at the Fort Sumner Industrial Air Park. Peggy was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Sumner where she served as the church pianist for over 25 years. She was a member of the Quilting Club, Merry Homemakers, Fort Sumner Women’s Club, and Cowbelles. Peggy enjoyed reading, sewing, and playing the piano. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter Leslie Ann Kenyon in 1980. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Survivors include her husband Neuman Merritt of the family home in Fort Sumner; three daughters, Cheryl Kenyon and husband David of Fort Sumner; Deborah Willingham and husband Garlin of Artesia, NM; and Patricia Hudson and husband Keavin of O’Donell, TX. Other survivors include six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 3, 2005 from the First United Methodist Church in Fort Sumner with Rev. Wesley Holland officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bob West, Rusty Kenyon, Bill Sharp, Tom Bob Wilton, Bob Minton, and Bucky Mintonl. Honorary bearers will be Garlin Willingham, Paul Kenyon, Devlin Willingham, Tyrell Willingham, Tiffany Hudson, Tannon Hudson, Delbert Long and all her friends and relatives. The family requests memorial contributions in Peggy’s memory to the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 180, Fort Sumner, NM 88119. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 804 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (505) 355-2311. For online condolences please go to www.chavezfuneralhome.com