Diane Merritt - Obituary

Diane Merritt, age 87 of Sidney, NE passed away Saturday, October 26, 2019 in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, March 21, 2020 at the Christ Episcopal Church in Sidney with Father Jim Stewart officiating. Burial was at the Loveland Burial Park in Loveland, CO. A celebration of life will be held at the church immediately following the service. Contributions may be made in Diane's name to the Cheyenne County Community Center, the Junior Golf League or the donor's choice. Condolences for the family may be dropped off at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Diane's care and funeral arrangements.

Diane Merritt, the daughter of Donald C. and Ramona (Hubbel) Smith, was born on June 28, 1932 at Shelton, NE. She graduated from Shelton High School and attended Lindenwood College in St. Louis, MO before transferring to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

She married Richard Smith they had two daughters, Susan and Linda, she later married M.L. "Lefty" Merritt, adding a step-son, Michael Merritt to her family.

Diane was involved in many community projects and activities. She was a sixty-five-year member of P.E.O., serving as President of Chapter DR in Loveland, CO and served many years in Chapter FR in Sidney. She was an enthusiastic and competent golfer, played in the Sidney Ladies Golf League and the Senior Panhandle Ladies League. She devoted many years to teaching Junior Golf and insisted on fair play and proper golf etiquette from her students. Diane started and organized Marathon Bridge Groups to raise money to aid the Office of Human Development Organization. She was a devoted member of Christ Episcopal Church and served many hours with the Alter Guild. Diane was one of the first members of the Meals on Wheels Program and a hard- working Master Gardener. She benefited later in life by being an active member and supporter of the Cheyenne County Community Center.

Survivors include her daughter; Linda, step-son: Michael Merritt and former daughter-in-law: Kathy Merritt; grandchildren: Bradley Wilson (Kelley), Andrew Wilson (Allison); step-grandchildren: Tony Merritt (Christina), Christopher Merritt; great-grandchildren: Silas and Jamin Wilson, Kendra and Jeff Merritt; step-great-grandchildren: Matthew Ramold and Nathanial Merritt.

Diane was preceded in death by her daughter: Susan Smith, her parents: Don and Ramona Smith, brother: Don Smith Jr. and husband M.L. "Lefty" Merritt.