Janet M. Merritt

Janet Marilla (Mason) Merritt, passed away October 1, 2026. Janet was born August 7, 1921 in Mt. Sterling, Ohio to Lucy and James Mason. She graduated from Mt. Sterling High School in 1940 and remained life-long friends with her classmates. She always enjoyed attending the Annual Alumni Banquet with them. She married Earl Merritt soon after graduation and their love story endured WWII and grew into a beautiful 58-year marriage filled with love and devotion, 3 children, 4 grand-children, 4 great grand-children and 3 great-great-grand-children. She loved celebrating their graduations, weddings, baptisms and new babies.

Janet was an excellent salesman who worked many years for Eckrich Meat Company achieving top sales associate. She later worked at Orient State Institution as an LPN retiring after 20 years of service. After retirement she and Earl traveled extensively. They wintered in Englewood, Florida where she has resided since 2003. She made friends wherever she went. Her friendships were genuine, sincere and long lasting. She will be remembered for her kind, loving heart that was always compassionate to those in need. She made a difference in many lives.

Janet was active in her Mt. Sterling and Englewood communities. She was a lifetime member of the Phythian Sisters Temple 536, lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, delivered Meals on Wheels, was active in the YMCA and a dedicated member of the Mt. Sterling United Methodist Church and the Englewood Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucy and James Mason, her husband, Earl Merritt, sister Jamesene Smiley, brother-in-law Ralph Smiley, brother William Mason, sister-in-law Lena Mason, daughter Sue Neff, son-in-law Paul Neff, daughter-in-law Jeri Merritt, grandsons Doug Neff and Rande Neff.

She is survived by her son, Jerry Merritt, her daughter Joy Clarity (Dennis), her grandchildren Robin Gorham (Andy), Justin Clarity (Erin), Great-grandchildren Daniel and Douglas Neff, Elizabeth Kennedy (Michael), Andrew Thompson (Morgan), Great great-grandchildren, Ava and Nora Kennedy, Emory Thompson and baby Thompson arriving soon, nephews Eddie Mason (Patty), Jimmy Mason (Pam). Special friends El Dean Purtee, Nancy and Frank Czajka along with many great nieces and nephews and countless friends who will cherish her memory.

Donations in memory of Janet can be made to:

First United Methodist Church, 110 S. London St., Mt. Sterling, Ohio 43143 or

Englewood Methodist Church, 700 Dearborn St., Englewood, Florida 34223.

Family will receive friends from 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 at the PORTER-TIDD FNERAL HOME, 331 West Main Street, Mt. Sterling, Ohio 43143 (740)-869-2777, where her Funeral Service will follow the visitation and begin at 1:00p.m. FRIDAY with Pastor Phil Starr, officiating. Janet will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Earl at Pleasant Cemetery, Mt. Sterling, Ohio. Please visit www.portertiddfuneralhome.comto share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to Janet’s family.