MERRILL, Mary Ruth

Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, March 31, 2004 Mary Ruth Merrill, daughter of Frank M. and Zoe E. (Davis) Bell, passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2004, in Prescott, at the age of 94. Mary was born on Dec. 29, 1909, in Murray, Iowa, where she attended school in a one room schoo1house, and later rode her horse to school. Although a tiny little baby, Mary was spirited, spunky, and full of love for everyone around her. She loved playing slot machines, tending to her houseplants, and being a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a great-great-grandmother. Mary was married to Bert R. Merrill in 1931, and together they had three children. Their lives and love of adventure led them from Des Moines, Iowa, to Hilo and Kamuela, Hawaii, and on to San Diego, Calif. Mary was widowed in 1978, and moved on to Salisbury, Md., then eventually to Prescott to be near her children. Mary is survived by her son, Jerry (Carolyn) of Chino Valley; her daughter, Patricia (Bill) Bohon of Prescott Valley; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grand- child. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bert Merrill, brother, Wayne Bell, and her oldest son, Craig. A private family memorial will be held to celebrate Mary's life. Interment will be at E1 Camino Memorial Park in San DMego, Calif. Monetary donations can be made in Mary Merrill's memory to the Arizona Lung Association, 102 West McDowell Road, Phoenix, Az. A private cremation will take place at Arizona Wakelin Bradshaw Chapel and Crematory. Arizona Wakelin Bradshaw Chapel and Crematory assisted the family with the arrangeipents. Information provided by survivors.