Ann (Ban) (Strickland) Merritt

On the night of December 11, 2024, Ann (Ban) Strickland Merritt, age 82, died peacefully at an assisted living community in Agawam, MA, surrounded and/or visited by her close family. “A woman who is the head of a family or tribe” is the Oxford dictionary definition of a matriarch. Anyone who knew Ann wouldn’t think twice of this truth. Ann was born to Robert and Grace Strickland on March 15, 1942, in Westfield, MA, however she resided in Huntington and Russell, MA, during her lifetime. In the early 1960’s, she met Ronald Merritt of Huntington, marrying in 1963. They went on to have two children, Randy and Brett Merritt. They were married a total of 61 years. Ann graduated from Westfield High School in 1960. After high school graduation, she attended and graduated from Marietta College in Ohio, with a BA in English. She then attended Westfield State to obtain a MA degree in reading, which kickstarted her career as an English and Reading teacher at Chicopee High School and Putnam High School. Ann was dedicated to her community, serving her church, Gateway School Committee, Russell Public Library, and Town of Russell Planning Board. Her activity in the Russell Community Church included working with Youth Groups and supporting any events necesary. Ann and family spent some time in the Grand Canyon (1973-74), volunteering with the National Park Service at Grand Canyon National Park and becoming friendly with the Native Hopi community. Many people reflected on the fact that when she went somewhere, she easily immersed herself into the fabric of that community, creating the sense that she lived there her whole life. Her hobbies included sewing, quilting, singing, painting, reading, and writing. Surviving family members include: her husband Ron Merritt, sisters-in-law Lillian Merritt and Christine Zappacosta, her brother Donnie Strickland and his wife Elise Strickland, her sons Randy and Brett Merritt, and her daughters-in-law Sherri and Kim Merritt. Her grand children are Jourdan Radville, Christopher Merritt, Chelsea Merritt, and Jake Merritt. Her nieces and nephew are Susie Seawell, Elizabeth Edwards, and Robert Strickland. Special mention to her four great grand children- Fiona and Hazel Merritt and Opal and Arlo Radville. There will be no calling hours, and interment will be private at the discretion of the family. Anyone wishing to remember Ann (Ban) can carry on her community based legacy, by loving thy neighbor as thyself.

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