Obituary of Dr. Myrtle A. Merritt
Dr. Myrtle A. Merritt, age 98, of Geneseo, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, NY. She was predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Caroline Merritt, sister, June Neal, brothers in law, Fred Neal and Dr. Leo Lemonds.
She is survived by her sister, Marcella Lemonds of Hastings, NE, nieces, Pat (Dennis) Watkinson of Lone Tree, IA, Karen Kemp of Hastings, NE, Jean (Steve) Murphy of Bailey, CO, Jackie Lemonds of Hastings, NE, nephew, Doug (Jerri) Lemonds of Edgar, NE, many great nieces and nephews.
Myrtle was born at her parents' farm in Norway, Iowa and was the middle daughter. She graduated school in Norway, Iowa and went on to get her Bachelor's Degree at Northern Iowa University. Later she got her Masters' and PhD from the University of Iowa.
When not teaching in the summer Myrt drove home to her parents' farm, helping her mother with canning and freezing her large garden. You could find her driving the tractor when putting up the hay in the barn.
In 1952 Myrt accepted a Professor's position at SUNY Geneseo. She became a well-known figure in the Geneseo Community and on the SUNY Geneseo Campus. Myrt was a Distinguished Service Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation Emerita at SUNY Geneseo for over 30 years. During Myrt's 30 plus years at SUNY Geneseo she served on numerous faculty committees, the university senate and the faculty senate. Myrt was awarded the Distinguished Service Professor Award in 1976. She retired from teaching in 1982 but was still a major influence on the campus of SUNY Geneseo and especially the Athletic Department. Myrt was inducted into the Geneseo Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. In 2004 the Sports Complex at SUNY Geneseo was officially designated the Dr. Myrtle A. Merritt Athletic Center. She also has created two scholarships, the Dr. Myrtle Merritt in Dance Annual Scholarship and the Dr. Myrtle A. Merritt Scholarship Endowment.
She was an avid golfer and loved to fish. Her cocker spaniel dogs were her babies and they were spoiled. Myrt was a great cook and maintained a large garden for several years. She didn't know the meaning of being retired as she kept busy.
Myrt was very close to God and served the Geneseo United Methodist church in many roles, such as a youth leader and took groups to local and national gatherings. Myrt served the community in many facets as well. She was a board member of the Genesee Valley Conservancy, the Geneseo Garden Club, APOG, the Monday Evening Class, the Young at Heart and the Interfaith Center. During the holiday season she made Christmas special for her family with lots of games played and she was very competitive. Myrt was well loved by her family and friends. Myrt was an inspiration to all of her students, colleges, friends and family.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 4, 2024 from 1-4 PM at the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main St. in Geneseo. Her Memorial Service will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 11 AM at the Geneseo United Methodist Church with Rev. Beth Malone officiating. Interment will be in Temple Hill Cemetery in Geneseo.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Geneseo United Methodist Church, 4520 Genesee St. (Route 63), Geneseo, NY 14454 or the Genesee Valley Conservancy, P.O. Box 73, Geneseo, NY 14454.