Merrybelle Carter England

Merrybelle Carter Dean England passed away quietly on Sunday afternoon, September 28, 2025, in Overland Park, Kansas, with her son by her side.

She was born on July 7, 1940, in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of Robert Kelly Dean and Mary Carter Dean (née Straub).

Merrybelle earned her Bachelor's Degree at Ohio State, From there, she moved to North Carolina to pursue a Master's Degree at North Carolina State. In 1962, she was married to Samuel Jackson England, originally of Wilkes-Barre, PA.

She moved to northern New Mexico in 1968, seeking respite from the academic world with her husband, Samuel England. Over the years, they lived in various towns along the Rio Grande valley, including Taos, Hatch, and Dixon, New Mexico.

Merrybelle became deeply involved in spiritual communities in New Mexico. She was a devoted student of Herman Rednick, a spiritual teacher and artist who founded a community in El Rito (north of Questa). She was also a member of the Lama Foundation, an Earth-centered spiritual community in the Taos area.

Following her divorce in 1981, Merrybelle moved to Winfield, Kansas, to be closer to her father and to raise her son. She worked for many years in the Social Rehabilitation Services (SRS) office in Winfield as an income maintenance worker. She was known for treating her clients with dignity and compassion-many clients' families later told her son how much she genuinely cared for them, not just as "case numbers."

She was a committed member of Grace Episcopal Church in Winfield, where she volunteered frequently and engaged in the Education for Ministry (E.F.M.) program.

In 2011, Merrybelle purchased a home in Overland Park, Kansas, to be nearer to her son and grandson. There, she continued her passions for gardening, caring for cats, and supporting her grandson and his step-siblings in Scouting and youth sports, especially baseball and softball.

In September 2025, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She chose to forgo invasive medical treatments and met her passing on her own terms. She died peacefully with her son at her side.

She is survived by her son, William A. England, and his wife, Mary England (née Waller); her grandchildren, Alexander C. England; Robyn N. Bryson, Hunter J. Broce, Mason D. Broce, and many loving family members.

Arrangements will be made at a future date in both Overland Park and Winfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Humane World for Animals (1255 23rd Street NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20037).