Gloria D. Merritt, 70, of Bushnell, Florida, passed away on July 19, 2026. She was born on March 9, 1956, in Dade City, Florida to James and Maggie Merritt.
Gloria enjoyed working at the daycare and teaching preschool. She loved her family deeply and always made them her highest priority.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 47 years, Russell G. Merritt of Bushnell, Florida; her sons, Christopher L. Merritt (Melissa) of Bushnell, Florida, and William “Scott” Merritt (Sara) of Sumterville, Florida; her grandchildren, Kristin, Waylon, Georgia, and Emory; her brothers, Melbourne “Vick” Merritt (Barbara) of Lutz, Florida, Thomas E. Merritt of Quincy, Florida, Theo Merritt (Gayle) of Indiana, and Stanley Merritt (Donna) of Springfield, Missouri; her sisters, Lynda Blanchard (Jay) of Lutz, Florida, Barbara Dennison (Howard) of Lutz, Florida, and Zemma “Becky” Merritt of Bushnell, Florida; along with many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Randy Merritt of Columbia, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches in honor of their loved one at [email protected].