Gayle Meritt, daughter of the late Clarence Ott and Pearl Kifer Ott, was born on March 26, 1938 in Rural Bernie, Missouri and departed this life on December 22, 2019 at her residence in Essex, Missouri at the age of 81 years.

Mrs. Meritt was a member of the Olive Branch General Baptist Church and a Homemaker.

On July 25, 1958, in Circle City, Missouri, she was united in marriage to Tom Meritt.  Mr. Meritt survives of their home in Essex.

In addition to her husband, Tom, she is survived by her son, Darin Meritt and wife Leslie of Dexter; by her sister-in-law, Joan Peters of Dexter; by her granddaughter, Victoria Meritt; by her caregiver and friend, Denise Hill; and by several nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends.

Other than by her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Geraldine Norman.

A Graveside Service will be conducted at Chalk Bluff Cemetery on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dudley Hamilton officiating.

Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.