1946–2026
Mary Merritt of Woodwar, Oklahoma, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026, in Woodward. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church (Woodward, OK), Lincoln campus, with Reverend Jason Dirks officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Billings Funeral Home.
Mary Ann (Hale) Merritt was born June 3, 1946, to Robert David Hale and Johnnie Lee (Johnson) Carlisle in Spur, Texas. Mary grew up in Texas and Oklahoma, where she attended Spur and Quanah schools, graduating from Quanah High School.
After graduating, she met Fred Ford, and they were united in marriage in 1964 and were blessed with three children, Kailena, Patricia and Melissa. They divorced in 1975. Mary’s life was filled with many chapters, each bringing new experiences and cherished memories. After their marriage ended in 1975, life brought new blessings, and Mary welcomed two more children, Johni and Crystal.
She was united in marriage to Jerry Merritt on July 22, 1994, in Laverne, Oklahoma where they made their home before later movingtoWoodward,Oklahoma. Jerry also brought his two adult children, Dianna and Bryan Merritt, into the family. Together they raised Justin Cole Rea.
Mary worked in the service industry before becoming a full-time homemaker. Her hobbies included shopping and enjoying the beauty of springtime flowers. Mary was a member of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church, where she was actively involved in Sisters in Christ and Team Kids.
She also enjoyed spending time with her husband and her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She was a beautiful, outgoing lady who had a zest for life. She adored her family and friends greatly. She was always available whenever someone needed her. She especially loved being surrounded by family and looked forward to birthdays, holidays and large family gatherings. Those moments together were special to her, and she cherished the time spent making memories with the people she loved.
Mary was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Johnnie and Rex Carlisle; her father and stepmother, Bob and Linda Hale; her daughter, Kailena Ford; and her stepson, Brian Merritt.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Merritt; her daughters Patricia, with husband Patrick McClanahan; Melissa Ford; Johni Attwood; Crystal, with husband Allen Storey; brothers David Hale and wife, Kathy; RD Hale and wife, Susie; sisters Brenda Randall and husband, Jerry, Twila Key and husband, Randal, Reba Ooley, Sandra Cyr and Shawnee Carlisle; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Remembrances may be shared online at www. billingsfuneralhomewoodward. com
