Ruth A. Merritt

Ruth Ann Merritt (née Cantrell), of Farmington, Missouri, passed away on February 28, 2026, at The Arbors at Maplebrook at the age of 77. She was born on August 1, 1948, in Valles Mines, Missouri.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 36 years, Bob Merritt; her 2 daughters, Rhonda Smith (Michael), and Tonya Johnson; her grandchildren, Jory Johnson, Julian Johnson, and Madison M. Smith. She is also survived by her siblings; Charles Robert Cantrell, Bonnie Faye Enty, Elizabeth J. York, Kaye York, and Jack Cantrell.

In addition, Ruth shared and is survived by the following step-children and step-grandchildren, through her marriage to Bob Merritt; Brent and Charmayne Merritt (Daniel, Leah, Brennah, and Alexis; Kenny, Arabella, Kayden, Avalina, and Dustin); Shawn Merritt (Ethan and Jacob); and Robbie and Andrea Merritt (Kaylee, Emily, and Helana).

She was preceded in death by her parents; Louis John Cantrell of Valles Mines, Missouri, and Pansy Nadine (Gunnells) Davis of Valley Park, Missouri. She was also preceded in death by her siblings; Bill Cantrell, James Dale Cantrell, Karel Cantrell, and a son-in-law, Keith Johnson (Tonya).

Ruth was the first and only one of her siblings in the Cantrell Family to graduate from college. She majored in Math and Secondary Education. She later added certification in Special Education. She had a teaching career of 24 years before retirement. Within her long, honorable career, Ruth spent some of her teaching years as an educator on the Lakota Sioux Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

Ruth enjoyed taking photos at all family events, bowling, garage sales, and thrifting. She enjoyed finding the perfect gift to give to the people she loved. She was also an excellent cook and made sure to pass along her own hand-written recipes. She was known for always making the best desserts at family gatherings and reunions. She also loved to make her famous hand-rolled chocolates each year at Christmas for everyone to enjoy.

Ruth was loved by her siblings, her daughters, her grandchildren, her friends and family, and by the students she taught with love and encouragement.

A memorial visitation will be held at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 1:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Lennie Fincher. Inurnment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. View the video tribute and share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.

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