Merrilee Ferrie

Merrilee Ferrie, passed away peacefully on October 4th, 2026 in Fort Smith, Arkansas with her two daughters by her side until she passed on. Born January 12, 1940 on a snowy winter day in Wabash, Indiana. She married Robert Ferrie, (deceased) and he was the love of her life and whom she shared many happy years together, until his passing in 2006. Merrilee had a huge heart full of love, passion, and grace. She will be dearly missed. While we know she is in a better place, nevertheless, a big part of our hearts are in tatters.

Merrilee was the daughter of James and Mary Brooks (both deceased). She is preceded also by a brother, John Brooks; a sister, Barbara Landers; and a son-in-law Eric Bass.

Merrilee's legacy is carried on by her loving daughter, Michele A. Young and her husband Patrick B. Young, Catherine A. Bass, her grandson, Joseph Crawford Bass, alongside his wife Sarah Bass; and she has a sister Katie Arender from Jalapa, Indiana. Merrilee had multiple nieces and nephews throughout the country; each of them she loved deeply and completely.

After graduating from High School in Wabash, Indiana, Merrilee was accepted to Northwestern University, in Evanston, Chicago. She joined the Alpha Pi Sorority and made many life long friends. Though her initial dream was to become an Archaeologist, the norms of the time didn't allow women to become an Archaeologist. Undeterred, she pursued a degree in Geology, a field that allowed her to remain connected to her love of the earth and all its treasures. She still has all of her books from college, and she would read and re-read all of the wonders in the world. In turn, her daughters continued in that vain to find the unusual, rocks, fossils, fauna or wild mushrooms.

Merrilee's life was a testament to her love of adventure and discovery. From an early age, she was fascinated by the beauty of nature, whether through planting beautiful flowers, uncovering or simply listening to the birds in her back yard.

Besides her family. Her legacy is one of love and compassion for those in need. There were several children in our small Indiana town that were poor and they didn't have enough food or warm clothes to speak of. We didn't have a lot of money, but our mother was a seamstress and showed them how to sew and gave them the food that she had canned the previous winter. They continued their friendship, until we moved the Arkansas.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the aides and nurses at Fianna Hills Nursing Center, in Fort Smith, Arkansas; in particular on the 200 Hall, whose compassion and care provided solace during the darkest of our hours. They truly are, Angels on Earth.

In honor of Merrilee's generous spirit and commitment to making the world a better place, the family kindly requests, in lieu of flowers that donations be made in her memory to JDRF, or the World Central Kitchen.

Funeral service will take place on Monday, October 12, 2026 at 1:00pm, at Edwards Funeral Home, 201N 12th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Visitation will be held the hour prior beginning at 12:00pm. Merrilee will be laid to rest at Oak Cemetery, 1401 S Greenwood Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901.