Debra Merritt

Debra Kay Ashley Merritt, 60, of Lumberport, passed away at 3:19pm, Friday, April 15, 2016 at the United Hospital Center, Bridgeport. She was born in Clarksburg, April 2, 1956, a daughter of the late Mason and Mary Harris Ashley. She is survived by her husband, Cleo "Bud" Merritt, whom she married September 18, 1976. Also surviving are one daughter, Crystal Butcher and her husband Douglas, Mineral Wells, two grandchildren, Willow and Silas Butcher, brothers and sisters, Sue Ann Watson, Donald Ashley and his wife Becky, both of Lumberport, and Kevin Ashley, his in-laws, Patty Butcher, Angela Butcher and her husband Luke Williamson, Ruth Harris and her husband Edward, James Merritt and his wife Alice, Linda Criss, and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Jack Watson, and in-laws, Ohlen Edward and Hazel Edna Merritt, William "Gail" Butcher, and Freddy Criss. Debra was formerly employed by the United States Post Office. She was a 1974 graduate of Lumberport High School. She enjoyed dressing up and looking nice, gardening in her greenhouse, and birdwatching. She was very artistic and loved animals and anything in nature. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Per her request, cremation services were provided and no public services will be held. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.perinefunerals.com. The Perine Funeral Home is honored to serve the Merritt family.