Margaret Ellen Merritt

Margaret Ellen Henderson Merritt passed away February 25, 2012 at the age of 86 in El Paso, TX to join her husband of 58 years, Harry J. Merritt, who preceded her in death on February 10, 2005. Margaret Ellen, oldest child and only daughter of Meredith C. and Neva R. Henderson was born May 15, 1925 in Seymour, Iowa. Margaret attended school in the Seymour area and graduated valedictorian of her class in 1942. She married Harry J. Merritt on November 21, 1946. They moved to El Paso, TX in 1955 where they eventually started Apartment Coin Laundry Service which they ran until 1985 when they sold it. After that, they traveled the United States and many parts of the world. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Margaret’s interests centered around family and activities they were involved in, such as scouting, church activities, school events, etc. She served as a Scout leader, room mother, and later on discovered the joys of genealogy research, compiling 5 books of family history. She enjoyed bridge, needlework, crossword puzzles, and being with family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Penny and husband Larry Hollar of Big Spring, TX; son, H. Jay Merritt, Jr. and wife Julie of El Paso, TX; and daughter Becky and husband Bill Miller of Indianola, IL. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Stacey Hollar, Kelly Hollar, Tiffanie and husband James Watkins, Mallory Merritt, Jay and wife Aimee Miller and Greg Miller. Other survivors include brothers, Alton Henderson of Phoenix, AZ; Tom and wife Jerri Henderson of Kent, IA; Jim and wife Ruth Henderson of Albuquerque, NM; and Bob and wife Jean Henderson of El Paso, TX.; sister-in-law Mary Merritt of Scottsdale, AZ; brother-in-law John and wife Jeannie of Seymour, IA; and several nieces and nephews as well as many cousins. Visitation will be from 1-2 pm on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 followed by a celebration of life at 2 pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 7000 Edgemere Blvd., El Paso, TX 79925. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 7000 Edgemere Blvd. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-East.