Ralph “Ron” Merritt, of Cherryville, Missouri was born on Wednesday, July 26, 1944 in Anthony’s Mill, Missouri to Albert Woodrow Merritt and Maude Lucille (nee Ginsler) Merritt and passed away Sunday, November 1, 2026 at the age of 82 years, 3 months and 6 days.
He attended schools in Steelville and Bourbon, Missouri. He began working at 13 years old to help support his family. He was the proud owner and operator of Merritt Saw Mill and Merritt Farms.
He married Patricia Florence Jennings on September 24, 1966. He later met Alta Sue Jost.
Ron was a Christian who had faith in the Lord.
He was also a former charter member of the Steelville Country Club.
He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He enjoyed fishing for white bass and looked forward to trips to Oklahoma. He loved being on the farm, whether it was working cattle, putting up hay or simply spending time on the land. He also enjoyed collecting old cars and trucks. Ron had a love for music and taught himself how to play the guitar.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Maude Merritt; stepmother, Jean Merritt; brother, Wilber Lee “Bud” Merritt; sisters, Loretta and husband Charles “Bud” Miller and Doris and husband Ed Lakaner; and brothers-in-law, Theodore “Tiny” Valley and Leroy Eoff.
He is survived by his companion, Alta “Sue” Jost of Cherryville, Missouri; children, Darlena Merritt of Farmington, Missouri, Melinee and husband David Mabe and Robert and wife Tawna Merritt both of Steelville, Missouri and Shondra and husband Greg Johnson of Jefferson City, Missouri; grandchildren, Jeremy (Janet) Richardson, Krystyna and husband Joe Frazier, Ronnie Clary, Yvette Clary, Austin Mabe, David and wife Jessica Mabe, Kaden Merritt, Korbin Merritt all of Steelville, Missouri, Cody Johnson and Bella Johnson both of Jefferson City, Missouri; siblings, Helen Eoff of Bourbon, Missouri, Alice Valley of Bourbon, Missouri and Judy Merritt of Steelville, Missouri; great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026 at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating.
Burial at Eaton Cemetery in Cherryville, Missouri with full military honors.
Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
