Barbara Merritt

Houlton, Maine – Barbara Ann (Williams) Merritt, 78, went home to the Lord on November 16, 2025, at home with her family by her bedside. She was born on July 28th, 1947, in Houlton, the daughter of Delbert Williams and Hilma (Gillis) Lee. She grew up in Danforth and graduated from East Grand High School and later attended the Center of Financial Training where she earned her General Banking Diploma while working in local community banks. She met her husband of 59 years, Roger Merritt, and married on August 26th, 1967, and raised a beautiful family in Hodgdon.
Barbara's world revolved around her love for her family and friends. She was always there to support her children and grandchildren in their sporting, musical and educational endeavors. Barbara and Roger loved attending local basketball games and listening to the pep band together in the winter and watching softball and baseball games in the spring. There were many late nights, and extra innings watched as Barbara and Roger cheered on the Boston Red Sox. Her favorite places were at the West Branch and Bible Point in Haynesville where special friends and family gathered and annual trips to Schoodic Point. Barbara enjoyed crafts, cooking, and card games. Wednesday nights were dedicated to bingo at the Linneus Sno Sports Club. She always met others with a smile on her face and never hesitated to help a community member in need.
She is survived by her husband, Roger Merritt; three children, Tim Merritt (Kim Parent), Cindy (Merritt) Forest (Brian Forest), and Chad Merritt (Tara McNeal); her granddaughters, Emma and Mariah Peterson; their beloved and spoiled cat, Boots; lifelong best friend, Maureen Theriault; bonus son, Frank Grunewald; bonus grandchildren, Taylor (Forest) Socoby (Russell Socoby), Jacob and Jaycee Forest and Griffin Perkins; bonus great-grandchildren, Alaska and August Socoby; many special friends she befriended throughout her life; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. She is predeceased by both her mother and father, her brother, Herbert "Herbie" Williams and infant brother, Maurice Williams, as well as multiple family members, friends, and family pets.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Sarah's House, Bridge to Hope, Lafayette Family Cancer Center, Dana Farber Boston, and the many caregivers and healthcare professionals who cared for her throughout her 25-year fight with cancer. It truly takes a village and Barbara, Roger, and family could not have done it without you. The family encourages donations in memory of Barbara and her unwavering strength and courage to be made to Sarah's House in Holden and Bridge to Hope in Houlton.
Friends may call Friday, November 21st 5-7 pm at Bowers Funeral Home, 10 Water St., Houlton, with a funeral service being held there Saturday at 1 pm with Rev. Wayne Robertson officiating. To share memories and condolences online, visit www.bowersfuneral.com.