Barbara Merritt

Barbara Ann Merritt, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully Monday, September 1, 2025. Born on April 17, 1938, in Troy, New York, Barbara was the daughter of Catherine “Rose” (Perry) Snover and Albert H. Snover.

She spent her early years in Troy and Eagle Mills, NY, cherishing the carefree days of her youth and summering at the family’s lake cottage—an experience that sparked her lifelong love of nature.

Barbara attended SUNY Cobleskill, where she pursued her passion for plants, majoring in horticulture. Her life took a beautiful turn when she met the love of her life, Daniel “Keith” Merritt, on the north end of Assateague Island. They married on December 20, 1959, in Troy, NY, and began a rich life together as a devoted Coast Guard family.

Barbara embraced her role as a mother with exceptional love and energy, raising two children, Debbie and Danny, with a spirit of curiosity, adventure, and warmth. She was truly a mother extraordinaire.

A lifelong lover of the natural world, Barbara never missed an opportunity to turn a simple walk into a teachable moment—pointing out plants, identifying animal tracks, or uncovering bits of history like old bottles, clay marbles, and Native American artifacts. She passed this passion for nature and discovery on to her children and grandchildren.

An avid gardener, Barbara worked side-by-side with Keith and the kids to grow an impressive family garden. She canned and froze produce, crafted delicious jams and jellies, and ensured the dumplin’-making tradition lived on with her grandchildren. She also had a deep appreciation for birds and was rarely seen wearing shoes—preferring to kick them off the moment she came indoors.

Barbara was a faithful and active member of Lower Northampton Baptist Church, where she led the kitchen crew with joy and camaraderie and taught Sunday School at various times. She found joy and purpose in serving her church community, especially during potluck dinners with her close friends.

Above all, Barbara was devoted to her family. She is survived by her children, Debbie Merritt and Danny Merritt, and was a proud grandmother to Sean Hoy (Catlin) and great-grandson Oliver Hoy of Westminster, CO; Dr. Andrew Hoy of Norfolk, VA; Samuel Merritt of Manhattan, NY; Logan Merritt, Alanna Merritt, and Milea Merritt, all of Caldwell, NJ. She also leaves behind her sister, Jill Fry, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband of nearly 55 years, Keith Merritt; her parents; and her brother, David Snover.

Barbara will be remembered for her boundless love of the natural world, her nurturing spirit, her faith, and the countless lessons and moments she shared on long walks and in quiet gardens. She touched many lives and leaves behind a legacy rooted in love, wisdom, and wonder.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00AM, at Lower Northampton Baptist Church, with Reverend Jeff Conrow officiating. A time of fellowship, with lite luncheon, will follow in the church’s Educational Building.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Northampton Baptist Church c/o Annette Brown, 5425 Tyson Circle, Cape Charles, VA 23310 or the Eastern Shore SPCA, PO Box 164, Onley, VA 23418.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. Doughtyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia.