Ruth A. Merriman, 100

Ruth A. Merriman went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Aug. 3, 2026. She was born Sept. 26, 1925, to Harry and Theodora Rix on a farm near Norfolk, Neb., which she shared with her brother, Norman. She met her husband, Richard Merriman, at Wayne State College, and they married Aug. 17, 1947. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Alice and Robert.

Ruth attended Idaho State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education in 1965 and a master’s degree in education in 1967.

The family moved to Post Falls, Idaho, in 1970. Ruth enjoyed working as a speech therapist in the Post Falls and Lakeland school districts until her retirement in 1988. 

In 1971, Ruth met her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her life was forever changed. Ruth’s faith in and love for Jesus was the passion of her life. Wanting others to experience the same freedom and deep love she now knew, Ruth shared how God had changed her heart with everyone she knew and met. Her love for children led her to teach Bible Clubs during the summer in the park by her home, and many Sunday School classes and Vacation Bible Schools throughout the years. Most recently, she was a member of The Altar Church, where she enjoyed her women’s bible study group and attending Sunday morning services.

Ruth was a voracious reader. She loved to learn, and it wasn’t unusual to find her reading several books at a time on various topics. Her favorite books were ones that helped deepen her faith and understanding of who God is and His word, the Bible. She greatly enjoyed discussing what she was learning with her family and friends.

Ruth enjoyed many things in life. She was an avid quilter, making many quilts for family and friends. Together with her husband, she also had a deep love for gardening, growing vegetables, berries, and fruit at her various homes throughout the years. Her specialty, however, was making the best pies around, with apple, peach, and chocolate being favorites. If you got to eat one of Nana’s pies, you knew you were loved! 

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, brother Norman Rix, husband Richard Merriman, and her daughter, Alice Grannis. She is survived by her son, Robert Merriman, and his wife, Lori; her son-in-law, Mark Grannis, and his wife, Nancy; four beloved grandchildren, Heather Evans, Greg Grannis, Megan Hollingsworth, Jeff Grannis, and their spouses; nine great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. Nana deeply loved her family and cherished every moment with them. Her family, in turn, loved her, especially her hugs, her laugh, and her sense of humor. She was a blessing to them, faithfully covering every one in prayer every day. She is profoundly missed!

A memorial celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at Yates Funeral Home Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave. in Hayden, Idaho. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Please sign Ruth’s online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.