Wendy Lynn Merritt

A beautiful child of Laura, Wendy grew up happily with her younger brother Sam, and sister Alisa. The three siblings had so many adventures together, exploring their world, coming home when the street lights turned on. A lifelong animal lover, cats and dogs made all the moments even more special. Excelling in school, detail oriented, enjoying music and reading, the years went by.

Wendy moved into a place downtown. She loved the nightlife, her friends and the culture. They would stay up all night discussing the mysteries and oddities of the universe. She loved belly dancing, creating her own outfits with her great friend Mercury, and performing at festivals.

Wendy took a job in the gift shop at Casa Bonita. It was here she met her future husband, Doug Merritt. Love flourished beautifully, they would kiss behind the waterfall. In time, Wendy and Doug moved to Northern California. They lived in a small, enchanted cottage on the banks of the Russian River, deep in a giant redwood forest. The sunlight trickled through the emerald canopy by day, followed by booming, thunderous, flooding stormy nights. Thousands of wild pumpkins would line the banks of the river in the California autumn. They loved driving on winding roads to the coast with their Dalmatian. Listening to the waves, holding hands and watching the sunset. Driving home through purple twilight, past golden windowed farm houses, the sounds of cowbells lost somewhere in the heavy fog. It was the most magical time in these two young lovebirds' lives.

The two later returned to their roots in Colorado. Wendy was educated as a medical coder and was soon employed by Denver Health, where she worked for 18 years. She and Doug were married, and their wonderful daughter Heidi was born. Wendy's naturally caring and nurturing traits helped Heidi grow into a confident and wonderful young child. The three loved being together. They would frequent zoos, museums, camping trips and restaurants. Wendy loved good food, and she loved cooking good food. Some of their best evenings were cooking together while listening to their favorite music. They would vacation in Cozumel, Mexico. They loved adventurous days exploring the island, followed by slow motion, delicious dinners as the sun went down. It was the most rewarding time in these two lovebirds’ lives.

The 2020s brought some slowdown. Wendy cherished spending time with their daughter at home, the afternoons filled with crafts and games. She would listen to Heidi practice her saxophone. A lover of the Christmas season, their home was covered in elegant and tasteful decorations. Truly delightful to see, her taste was impeccable. She and Doug spent countless hours in their recliners next to each other, holding hands and watching films. They would reflect on their life together and all the exciting adventures they’d had. They would discuss their incredible daughter, and daydream about her future. It was the most introspective time in these two lovebirds’ lives.

On a warm spring evening in 2024, the world mourned the loss of Wendy Lynn Merritt. She didn't want to say goodbye, but she understood. The house doors were open, and a gentle breeze was moving through the family home. Goodbye sweetheart, we will never, ever stop loving you.

Wendy is survived by her husband, Doug Merritt. Her daughter, Heidi Lynn Merritt. Her grandmother, Margaret Jones. Her mother, Laura Coalwell. Her brother, sister-in-law, and their children, Sam, Danielle, Julie and Sara Coalwell. Her sister and brother-in-law, Alisa and Ken Brankin. Her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Karla Merritt. Her brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and their child, Dan, Charmaine and Kaya Merritt.