Merilee Reddington Peck

Merilee was born in Ridgewood New Jersey and moved to Southern California with her family as a child. Ultimately, she made her way to Arroyo Grande California where she truly flourished. As a businesswoman she founded Town and Ranch Realty and Town and Ranch Construction. In fact, she got her contractor’s license at a time when women just didn’t “do that sort of thing” becoming one of the first female General Contractors on the Central Coast. AND she still wore her high heels and blinged out outfits! She knew how to light up a room. She built many local homes, including condominiums in SLO and Ranchettes in Nipomo, then sold those homes through Town and Ranch Realty. In addition to her Real Estate and Construction businesses she owned Merilee’s Hallmark also in Arroyo Grande. Oh, and she was President of the Grover Beach Chamber of Commerce.

It is hard to recall all her many professional accomplishments; we invite you to share your memories of Merilee on her memorial page to fill in anything that we’ve missed here. In fact, we would love to hear your stories, thoughts and memories at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/.../merilee-peck-12411450

What we do know is she worked hard and achieved great success in her professional life, and she loved every minute of it.

In all things Merilee was a true force of nature and when she set her mind to something nothing could stop her. She got her Pilot’s license, Scuba Diving Certificate, Snow and Water Skied and even played in the Senior Olympics in Soccer. She loved Golf, at least when she was playing well, and even has THREE “Hole in One” trophies! She loved her yard and tended to her flowers until they were overflowing their pots. Every time anyone came to her home, she’d offer a big bag of lemons to take when you left. She loved her walks on the beach and never met a stranger she couldn’t convert to a friend, even in the line at the store! She loved her “bling bling” and was known for the SUPER sparkly hats she wore daily. She complimented everyone she met, and the smiles she received in return, even from strangers, were a testament to her positive, joyful nature. It was commonplace when talking about her to others to hear; “Oh, I know Merilee, she is the sweetest person ever!”

Having said all that, she would be the first to tell you, the thing she was most proud of in her life was her family. Merilee raised 6 children, which we all know is a tremendous feat in and of itself! Merilee is survived by those 6 children and their spouses: Kimberlee Kay, Kelly Bell, Duane and Janet Nevitt, Eric and Sharon Nevitt, Joshua and Jillian Warthen and Justin and Pam Warthen. Her 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Merilee was surrounded by family in the days prior to her death, just as she would have wanted.

She loved being at the center of the family and her most joyous moments came when the whole family would descend on her home and create noise, havoc and a huge mess! But most importantly lots of laughter and joy. Merilee was always involved in her kids’ lives from being a Cub Scout leader to the world’s greatest cheerleader in all we did. If you ever had a bad day, you could just call Merl and you’d be instantly cheered. She even had a hand in launching the careers of most of her kids and their spouses in one way or another. None of us would be who we are without her never-ending

encouragement, her positive influence and her guidance. She truly was an inspiration, a mentor and a marvelous mom, grandma and great grandma. She truly did light up all our lives.

As we sit here now, it seems impossible that a light so bright could be extinguished. But maybe that is not what happens. Maybe her light is still shining as she gives her mom and dad a big hug, as she is with her sisters Kathleen Wattenberg and Penny Fries, whom she missed terribly since they passed. Maybe now the three sisters are smiling and watching over us all. Maybe her light is even brighter now shining down on us all, continuing to show us the way. We will miss her, but will always look for that light.

This is a quote, attributed to Maya Angelou:

You may not remember what someone said, but you will always remember the way they made you feel.

Each of us will always remember the way Merilee made us feel.

If you want to honor Merilee, in lieu of sending flowers, please share a memory on her memorial page, pay someone a compliment, be kind to a stranger, plant a flower in your garden, or just sit for a moment and remember the way Merilee made you feel.

We hope you will join us on July 25 at 11:00 at Los Osos Valley Memorial Park for the Graveside Service where will say our goodbyes to our beloved mother, and for the Celebration of life immediately following the service at Meadow Park in San Luis Obispo