Brenda Oxender Knapp Merritt, 81

Brenda Lee Merritt, beloved wife of the late Wallace Merritt, passed away suddenly on Jan. 29, 2026, at the St. James Medical Center in Butte due to health complications. Brenda was 81 years old.

Brenda was the oldest daughter born to Millicent “Millie” and LeRoy “Roy” Oxender; she was born on June 18, 1944, in Kalispell. Brenda had a younger sister, Zandra.

Brenda grew up and attended Hot Springs High School. After graduation she met and married Albert Knapp. To this union three children were born, Rawlene, Nadene and Wayne “Buddy”. The family was living in Alaska when Albert was killed in a motor vehicle accident.

After his death, Brenda and the children moved back to Hot Springs to be closer to her parents.

It was back in Hot Springs that Brenda met Wallace Merritt. Brenda worked as a cook in several restaurants in the Hot Springs area. Wally would come in and eat when she was working and pretty soon a relationship ensued and they were married on May 23, 1975.

Brenda and her children moved to the Merritt Ranch in Garcon Gulch. Their marriage brought two families together: Brenda’s three children and Wally’s children, Gary, Roger and Mary Jo. Brenda and Wally had one son together, David, who was born on Aug. 28, 1981. Two years after David was born, the grandchildren started arriving.

For several years Brenda sold real estate in the Hot Springs area. Wally and Brenda spent many fulfilling years ranching in the Gulch until the fall of 2009.

After retiring from ranching, Brenda and Wally purchased a beautiful home on Sparrowhawk Lane in Polson. Their home overlooked the lake and they enjoyed their time there.

Brenda had many talents and hobbies that she enjoyed and did very well. She loved to play cards with friends and family. She was excellent at knitting and crocheting. She made such beautiful baby sweaters, afghans and various other items.

One of her other passions was painting. She loved to paint and made many beautiful pieces. She also enjoyed quilting and made sure to make each of the grandkids one of her special quilts.

Brenda’s husband of 49 years passed away in October 2024. After a few months of living alone without Dad in Polson, Mom made the decision to move to Butte to be closer to David and his family.

The move was a very hard decision for her to make, but she realized she needed the care that an assisted living facility could provide.

In the spring of 2025, she moved to Butte. She enjoyed her new home, making new friends and being able to spend more time with David and his family.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Millie Oxender, her husband, Wallace Merritt, and three of her children, Rawlene, Nadene and Buddy. She leaves behind her sister, Zandra (Doug) Peterson of Florida; son David (Tania) Merritt; and Gary (Jeanette) Merritt, Roger (Leigh) Merritt and Mary (Troy) Shores. Grandchildren are Stacey (Joe) Harris, Dustin (Candace) Merritt, Jason Merritt, Ali Merritt, Heather (Jacob) Murray, Brennen Merritt, Colton, Kortney, Parker and Ryker Merritt, and David, Adam and Bethany Vaught; and great-grandchildren are Emeri, Axton and Boden Harris, Easton and Wade Merritt, and Selah, Mila and Ana Murray.

A memorial service for Brenda will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at the Lonepine Hall.

Mom’s wishes were to have her remains spread above the home ranch with her late son, Buddy.