Marilyn R. Merritt

Cedar Rapids-Marilyn Ruth Merritt, age 94, passed away April 12, 2025 at West Ridge Care Center in Cedar Rapids. She was born August 15, 1930, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Arnold and Mildred (Yarbrough) Huber. She graduated from Solon High School. Marilyn was united in marriage to Matthew “Pete” Merritt on July 12, 1951, in Solon, Iowa. They moved to many U.S. Air Force bases until they retired to Marengo in 1970, moved to Waco, TX in 1993 and returned to Iowa in 2007. She enjoyed camping, fishing, playing her keyboard, collecting John Wayne memorabilia, collecting dolls (over 700!), playing pinochle, dominoes, bargain hunting and doing word puzzles. She had a heart for service and volunteered her time and talent in many ways including playing her keyboard for residents at Rose Haven Nursing Home, at Sunday services and social events at Twin Lakes Park while wintering in Texas and preparing meals with ladies’ auxiliary groups in Marengo and Bellmead, TX. Marilyn was an exceptional storyteller in relating her life experiences with humor and wit. She exemplified honesty, loyalty, integrity and modeled those values for her family and friends. She was always willing to help others, but it grieved her to think she was burdening them when she needed their help. While Marilyn faced many struggles in her lifetime, they never defeated her; they only served to strengthen her character. One of her favorite phrases was “I’ve had a good life.”

She is survived by two daughters, Barb (Steve) Christoffersen of Cedar Rapids and Shery Merritt (Paul Westlake) of Palo; a son Dan (Teresa) Merritt of Jenks, OK; seven grandchildren, Brian (Lory) Christoffersen, Tammy (Mike) Hoffman, Shery (Nick) Pryszlak, Matthew (Rebekah) Christoffersen, Joshua (Kendra) Merritt, Travis (Kimberly) Merritt and Kayleen (Austin) McCrimmon; 18 great grandchildren, Cody and Callie Christoffersen, Chloe (Logan) Pavelka, Noah, Dinah, Silas, Tabitha, Jairus, Gloria and Zipporah Hoffman, Andrew, Mackenzie, Joshua and Brayden Pryszlak, Abigail, Everly and Tyler Merritt, and Owen McCrimmon; and a brother Jim (Connie) Huber of West Branch. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Matthew, a son Steven, four brothers, Paul, John, Ben and Skip Huber and special friend, Jerry Heath.

Celebration of Life Service will be 11:30 am Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Marengo American Legion Hall. A Visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 am Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Marengo American Legion Hall. A memorial fund has been established for First United Methodist Church in Marengo and the American Legion Hall in Marengo. Messages and tributes can be left at www.powellfuneralhomes .com. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Marengo is caring for Marilyn and her Family.