Advertisement

firehouse pizza banner

Doris Embry Merritt

Doris passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends at IU Health Bloomington Hospital on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2012.  She died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease and chronic leukemia.
Doris was born in Owensboro on a frosty Kentucky morning February 5, 1928.  She grew up as a farm girl and nature lover in Morgantown, KY.  She graduated from Morgantown High School in 1946.  Doris enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduation and would have made a career in the military.  However, her father’s sudden death called her home to run the family farm.  She left the Air Force with an honorable discharge.
In an attempt to provide even further for her family, Doris eventually moved to Louisville to work in various factories.  Through carpooling to work, Doris met Ben Merritt, who was originally from Kelso, AR.  They courted and were eventually married in August 1952.
The Merritts moved to Bloomington in late 1952 because Ben was hired by Radio Corporation of America (RCA), which opened a new plant on the west side of Bloomington.  Doris and Ben produced three incredible children--Sandra Gayle, Tresa Ann Wright, and Larry Dale.  Doris bestowed on her children a love of nature and reading.  All three children graduated with degrees from IU.
Doris’ generous service and benevolent giving to her community, to her church, and to anyone who had a need shaped her children and grandchildren into becoming benevolent contributors and volunteers in their communities.
Doris is survived by her three children and four incredible grandchildren---Aaron Wright of Bloomington, Andrew Wright of Dallas, TX, Jessica Merritt of Bloomington, and Jordan Merritt of Coconut Creek, FL.  Doris has six surviving siblings---Glendolyn Embry Tomes of Underwood, IN; Peggy Embry Barrett of Pekin, IN; Costella Embry Phelps of Hartford, KY; Diana Embry Bierly of Morgantown, KY; Cody Embry of Henryville, IN; and Vondell Embry Cavanaugh of Sellersburg, IN.
A funeral for Doris will be in Morgantown, KY on Sunday, June 3 at 2:00 pm Central Standard time at Smith Funeral Home.  Afterwards, she will be laid to rest beside her husband of 56 years at Lawson Embry Cemetery.  Ben died in May 2008. Visitation will be held from 11am until time of service at the funeral home. 
A Celebratory Memorial is planned for her Bloomington family and friends later this summer. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfuneralhome1886.com

Tags: 


Bookmark and Share

Advertisements