MERCHANT, Robin

Wickenburg Sun (Wickenburg, Arizona) Wednesday, May 28, 2025, p. A-4 It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved mother, Robin Merchant, on May 16, 2025. Just days after celebrating her 72nd birthday, she left us doing the things she loved most--solving crossword puzzles, tending to her yard and spending time with her cherished animals. Robin was born on May 8, 1953, in Prescott, Ariz. When she was just two years old, her parents moved to Wickenburg--our home town--where they ran the local dry cleaner and laundry. As an only child, Robin was the "son" our grandfather never had. With his background as a minor league player for the Chicago White Sox, she was raised to be an athlete, participating in volleyball, basketball and softball throughout her school years. After high school, many in the community came to know Robin through her 25 years at the Gold Nugget Restaurant, where she began as a waitress and eventually managed the bar. Later, she started her own cleaning business, which she ran until late last year. Cleaning brought her genuine joy--it was her way of caring for others. Robin is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harlan "Butch" Merchant; her parents, Robert and Gaynelle (Cunningham) Beebe; and her stillborn son, Ty Edward Merchant. She is survived by her loving children, Michelle (Wichita, Kan.), Chris (Tucson, Ariz.), Jason (Wickenburg), and Jordan (Monica) Merchant (Tucson, AZ); two step-daughters, Mardona (Jim-Bob) Custer of Onalaska, Wash., and Dawn Merchant of Toledo, Wash.; and her amazing grandchildren, Luke, Mikel, Mikayla, Jamar, Imari and Cameron. Our family will gather this summer to celebrate Robin's life in a small intimate setting. We ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the difficult days ahead and mourn the loss of our dear mom. In lieu of flowers (Jason may not remember to water them), Robin would have appreciated donations to the local animal shelter or the sharing of a favorite memory of her on a card or email. We would love to collect those stories for the generations who didn't get the chance to know her. Thank you for being part of her life.