Sharon Merrifield, 73

Sharon Maxine Davis Merrifield, 73, passed away on March 28, 2014, at her home near Naples, Idaho.

Services were held at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Bonners Ferry, on Friday, May 2 at 11 a.m.

Lunch was served immediately following at the church. The committal ceremony of Elden and Sharon commenced afterward at the local Grandview Cemetery.

Sharon Maxine Davis Merrifield was born on Jan. 6, 1941, to Elmer R. and Althea F. Davis in Missoula, Mont. Growing up, she assisted her parents at the family’s Heath Hotel and Restaurant, named after her Grandma Heath, in Martinsdale, Mont.

After moving to Columbia Falls in 1955, Sharon graduated from Columbia Falls High in 1959. She lived for a short time in Santa Barbara, Calif., but returned to finish nursing school in Lewistown, Mont., graduating as an LPN.

She practiced nursing at the hospital in Whitefish until she was offered a job at the Boundary County Community Hospital. She made the move to Bonners Ferry with her two sons, Rodney and Randy.

After being introduced to Elden Merrifield by his sister, Elsie, she fell in love and knew she was here to stay. They were married New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 1966.

In addition to Elden adopting Rodney and Randy as his own, they had two more children, Patricia and Thomas. Nearly 15 years ago, Sharon was blessedly reunited with her first son Curt Hadley, and he added to the family’s joy.

Elden and Sharon’s unending love for one another lasted 47 years here on Earth; we are certain the love is still going strong in Heaven. It wasn’t long after Elden’s passing on Feb. 12 of this year that he took Sharon’s hand and brought her home with him. Their love and commitment to one another was undeniable.

Sharon enjoyed many activities such as camping, crocheting, crossword puzzles and baking. Halloween was always extra special for those who knocked on her door to receive her famous popcorn balls. There was always a cake, cookies or goodies to be found when friends and loved ones came to visit.

A holiday in the Merrifield home just wasn’t a holiday without Grandma’s lefse and krumkakes. When major league baseball season began, there was only one team’s schedule on her fridge, the Seattle Mariners. Few games were missed.

Another sport that held her attention was basketball. She was a Gonzaga Bulldogs fan through and through. Although she loved viewing these sports on television, her true passion was to spectate from a Bonners Ferry bleacher in order to see her beloved grandchildren play any one of many sports. Grandma Merrifield was very proud of each of her 22 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was quite savvy and was able to stay in touch with each of them via Facebook.

Sharon is survived by her sister, Joann (Doug) Good of Columbia Falls, Montana; children Curt (Misty) Hadley of Sagle, Idaho; Rod (Cathie) Merrifield of West Olive, Michigan; Randy Merrifield, Patti Nelson and Tom (Robin) Merrifield, all of Bonners Ferry, as well as by her numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Sharon was recently preceded in death by her siblings, Gene Davis, Janet Kaschke, and by her beloved husband, Elden Merrifield. Life without her true love was too much to bear. She missed him dearly. Although her passing to be with him is bittersweet, their family is very happy they are together again, pain free forever with the Lord. They will see you again, mom. They love you.