Ruth Bannerman Merritt, age 91 of Rose Hill, NC, died August 15, 2013 at Huntington Health Care Center.

She was born November 19, 1921 in Pender County, daughter of the late Norman and Katie Bannerman. She was also predeceased by her husband Rodney R. Merritt, sister Mary B. Mott, brothers Thurman, Herbert and Norwood Bannerman.


She is survived by a sister, Rebecca B. Pitchford of Burgaw, brothers Joseph D. Bannerman of Burgaw, and Carl J. Bannerman (Lucille) of Leland; sisters-in-law Hilda D. Bannerman of Dunn and Evonne Merritt of Waycross; special niece Kathy Bannerman, and several other special nieces and nephews.

Prior to a debilitating illness July 2006, Ruth was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Waycross, NC, where she taught the Adult Sunday School Class and served on various committees. She also gave a weekly Bible Study at Rosemary Rest Home in Rose Hill. She wrote poems, prayers and praises covering many subjects to family and friends. Some of her friends complied 75 of these writings into a book entitled, "Ruth's Book of Poetry". She spread love generously among family and friends.


Funeral Services will be at 3:00 PM Sunday, Aug.18, 2013 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Waycross NC, with the Reverend Dorothy Rudd officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Harrell's Funeral Home in Burgaw, Saturday Aug.17, 2013 from 6 to 7:30pm. Friends are welcomed at other times at the home of Rebecca Pitchford.

Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, Mrs. Jo Johnson, Treas., 714 Club Rd., Mt. Olive, NC 28365 or one's favorite charity.