Ermalee Merritt, 89, died Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Mennonite Friendship Communities, South Hutchinson. She was born March 12, 1935, at Grace Hospital in Hutchinson, to parents, Frank B. Jones and Bertha O. (Rictor) Jones.
Ermalee graduated in 1953 from Reno Community High School, Nickerson. She married her high school sweetheart, Ancil M. Taylor of rural Sterling on October 25, 1953, at Church of Christ on 14th and Adams St., Hutchinson. To their union brought four children: DeeAnn, Maribeth, Max Alan and Lora Lee Taylor.
Ermalee and Ancil lived and farmed at the Taylor place in the rural Sterling area for a number of years prior to re-locating to Great Bend, in 1966. She was a former member of the 14th and Adams Church of Christ in Hutchinson and the Great Bend, Church of Christ at 12th and Stone. Ermalee was a current member of Eastwood Church of Christ, Hutchinson.
Ermalee and Ancil lost their son, Max, to cancer on January 10, 1986, in Great Bend. Ancil died on December 20, 1987, in Great Bend, also due to cancer. She later married Elmo Merritt on November 24, 1990, in Great Bend. They moved to Hutchinson. She was widowed a second time with his passing in 2017. Through all the sorrow and loss in her life, she pressed on, always faithful, hopeful and trusting in her Maker.
Ermalee was a devoted, loving and treasured wife, mother, “grammy,” “great-grammy,” sister, sister-in-law, aunt, niece and friend. Her bright spirit shined through when she offered joy, compassion and encouragement to others. Ermalee’s generosity, kindness and wit blessed many. Ever so stylish and fashionable, she specifically loved jewelry and hats. An accomplished seamstress throughout her lifetime, she made countless wearable and decorative works of art. Ermalee had a special gift for creating stunning floral and interior designs. She loved decorating her home for all the seasons and holidays. Ermalee’s energy, creativity and talent were amazing! She gave the best hugs and being wrapped in her embrace was one of the most comforting places to be. Being lucky enough to be loved by her was the most precious of gifts and she will be missed beyond measure.
Survivors include her three daughters and their spouses: DeeAnn and Jim Krueger of Wichita, Maribeth Benker of Great Bend, Lora and Brent Dungan of Wichita and Fort Collins, CO; six grandchildren, Christopher Krueger of Wichita, KS; Kelsy Krueger of Wichita, Corry (Fradd) Kelly and Justin of Great Bend, Maggie Dungan of Fort Collins, CO, Eva Dungan of Fort Collins, CO and Oliver Dungan of Wichita; great-grandchildren, RaeLynn Rowe and Kimber Rowe of Great Bend, Lennox Krueger of Wichita; and sisters, Ilene (Jones) Roth and Sue (Jones) Hill, all of Hutchinson.
Ermalee was preceded in death by additional family members including: her parents; in-laws Glenn G. and Helen E. Taylor; son-in-law Keith Benker; and step-grandson Kelly Benker; and numerous other valued and loved family members who went before her.
Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Eastwood Church of Christ, 2500 N. Plum, Hutchinson, with Wayne DeWindt officiating. Friends may sign the book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. Private family inurnment will take place in the Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to honor Ermalee’s request of making a donation in her name to one of her favorite nonprofit organizations: Hutchinson Animal Shelter, Radio Kansas or PBS Kansas, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.