Merita Frances Spena

Merita Frances Spena, age 91, of Belton, Missouri, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026 at home surrounded by family.

Born on January 19, 1935 in Hardin County, Kentucky to James Otis Kerrick and Lorena (Martin) Kerrick, Merita was a woman of deep and abiding Baptist faith, most recently a longtime member of South Haven Baptist Church. She found quiet joy in sewing, crocheting, and all forms of crafting, creating beautiful and useful things with her hands throughout her life.

Merita was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Harlan Heck; her second husband, Darryl Spena; and her daughter, Karen Harms.

She is survived by her two sons, Keith Heck (JoAnn) and Bruce Heck (Angela); son-in-law, Ed Harms; stepchildren, Shari Steen, Mick Spena (Kathrine), Marty Spena (Ronda), Monty Spena (Jenny), Mark Spena (Beth), and Leesa Jackson; and many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.