Marlene Ruth Merritt

1938 - 2023

It is with a very heavy heart that I share the passing of such an amazing person, my mother, Marlene Ruth Merritt.

Marlene was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho on April 3, 1938, to Martell Orme and Annette Orme.

She grew up on a farm in Idaho Falls, Idaho with her brother, Keith Orme, who was 8 years her senior. My mom often talked about how she loved to wander through the fields with her sheep that her family raised.

From the first day her dad taught her about business, my mother went on to become a beacon of change, serving every person, company and group for which she encountered. Despite living through challenges, trials and tribulations, she overcame to become a prominent figure in several circles including Seattle, Dallas and San Antonio.

Early on, she was a very successful model for several brands. Feeling a calling for the business world, Marlene would take on a role at IBM. After witnessing sales people pitching deals a room over, Marlene found sales fascinating – realizing she could sell too – and boy could she ever. She rose quickly through the ranks at IBM, becoming known as the Velvet Hammer. With her grace, presence and humility leading from the front, she brought the very best out in every person. She did this for more than 20 years before starting her own companies in real estate and other ventures. Marlene loved being in business with people because of the life-long relationships she would forge. She loved every person as God would have wanted a shepherd to love and protect their own flock.

Marlene traveled extensively, meeting people from all walks of life and creating bonds that would last a lifetime. She did, however, have one favorite travel destination – San Francisco.

Marlene was truly an amazing person. She had a regal presence when she stepped into a room. My mom made every single person feel important and spoke with people as if they were the only person in the room. Marlene was truly someone who captivated an audience just by being there. She spoke eloquently and with conviction.

She was asked to join Rotary International, where she was given the honor of building out local and international chapters. Marlene was invited to serve on the Warm Springs Foundation Board, St. Luke's Episcopal Church Board and many other local and nationwide boards.

During her time at Rotary International, she met a humble young man named John. She opened her heart, home and life to this young man as if finding a long lost son. Marlene adopted him and poured into this young man her hopes, dreams, values, and belief in the Lord.

The Merritt Family went on to serve the San Antonio Community through the Elf Louise Christmas Project, Rotary Club, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, other organizations and even through their own home – offering a place, warm meal and an extended family for people who did not have a family to celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Superbowl, New Years and so many other moments in the year. They kept doing this for over 20 years, serving countless people from all walks of life.

My mother believed in serving the people of San Antonio which is why she partnered with the San Antonio Area Foundation (SAAF) for well over 15 years. She cared deeply for the positive impact she could have on the children and people whose lives her service would reach. Her unwavering commitment and servant leadership garnered her the SAAF Visionary Circle recognition multiple years over.

Throughout her life, she focused on the Lord, people in need and her family. She was called back home on September 17th, 2023 after passing peacefully in her sleep.

Her legacy lives on through her son John Merritt, his wife Emily, and her 2 grandchildren: Madeline & Ethan whom were named in honor of her unwavering integrity, servant leadership and strength.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Luke's Fund: https://donate.onecause.com/stlukesfund