Gail Merritt
1960 - 2016
It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Marilyn Gale Merritt in Taber on Sunday, July 3, 2016 at the age of 56 years.
A private burial service was held at the Taber Memorial Garden prior to the funeral service.
The Funeral Service was held at the Evangelical Free Church, 5431 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, July 8, 2016 at 2:00 P.M.
Left to cherish Gail’s memory are her husband Don Merritt and their children Curtis Merritt of Lethbridge and Brandi (Jordy) Miyanaga of Taber. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters Diane Bergen, Ron (Mary) Bergen, Lorna Bergen, Richard (Lynda) Bergen, Randy (Wendy) Bergen and Jackie (Clauss) Driedger; sister-in-law Bev (Rick) Rivette and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Anne Bergen, sister Irene Janzen, nephew Jeremy Bergen and Don’s parents George Merritt and Enid Giles.
Gail was born on April 29, 1960 in Burns Lake, British Columbia and was raised and educated in La Crete. She married Don Merritt in Taber on September 3, 1977, where they have resided until the time of her passing.
Gail was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend to many, many people and had affectionately earned the nickname “Shelly”. Gail was also a friend to all who needed a friend, a compassionate shoulder to lean on for anyone who needed a shoulder. She was a tough dose of tough love whether you thought you needed it or not. A mother to her two children and dog, and a mother to all who seemed to need a mother, all over the world.
Gail was an avid traveller, touring the world with her daughter and encountering many adventures along the way. One trip she went as chaperone but ended up having to be chaperoned herself by Brandi.
Gail earned a second degree black belt with the International Taekwon-Do Federation. She was a certified international instructor, as well as a certified instructor with the international Taekwon-Do kids course. Gail attended numerous provincial, western, national, international and world championships. She attended numerous seminars with Grand Master Tran, Master Ottesen and the IIC technical committee. She was with Merritt’s Ultimate Taekwon-Do since the start and helped develop the school that it is today. She also helped develop the Little Dragons program that they use today.
Gail had many interests including bunnies, gardening, camping, playing at the casino, quilting, sewing, berry picking and listening to ‘60s music. Her music was always playing. Gail was passionate about cooking and there wasn’t a recipe that intimidated her and she usually added her special touch to make it better. She also enjoyed being a part of her church family at The Church of Christ in Taber which included attending Bible study where she was sincerely appreciated by all and will be deeply missed.
Family was very important to Gail and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her including her beloved dog Gustaf.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Gail’s name may be made directly to a charity of one’s personal choosing.