Mary Ellen Merritt took her place in Heaven on Feb. 19, 2019, after losing her battle with pancreatic cancer. Mary Ellen was born on Nov. 22, 1944, in Emporia, to Max M. and Leona Ellen Daily Mayhill.
    While attending Newton High School, Mary Ellen met the love of her life and true soul mate, Michael G. Merritt. After their high school graduations, Mike and Mary Ellen were married, and they would have celebrated 55 years of marriage this year.
   Mary Ellen worked at First Federal Savings and Loan for many years, eventually leaving her banking career to help provide care for her mother during a long illness. After her mother passed away, Mary Ellen began a career in real estate, where she quickly become a trusted and valued realtor, as well as friend to many.
   Although Mary Ellen valued and excelled in her careers, she was most proud of and dedicated to her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a fabulous cook and seamstress, and made beautiful Christmas cookie trays that she delivered to her friends, family and business associates every holiday. Mary Ellen was also able to share her multiple talents in cooking and sewing as her children's 4-H leader, scout leader and room mother. She was also a passionate reader and enjoyed sharing her love of books with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitors would find her in a rocking chair reading a special story to one of her grandchildren, who she often called her "sunshine."
   Mike and Mary Ellen loved to travel and their children were fortunate to be able to visit all 50 states during their childhood. Mike and Mary Ellen also shared their love of travel with their grandchildren, taking them to some of their most special places, as well as sharing their love of Disney and the ocean. When Mike and Mary Ellen weren't traveling, visitors would often find them mowing their beautiful lawn, working in gardens or splashing in their backyard pool. Many wonderful memories were made in their backyard.
   Mary Ellen is survived by her husband, Mike; daughter, Kim Stevenson; sons, Michael (Christine), Jason (Debbie) and Jerod (Jody) Merritt; her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Kathryn (Danny) Benbrook; two brothers; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts; and a special friend from her childhood, Mary Erwin.