Catherine Ann Merriam

Catherine Ann Deitz Merriam, “Cathi”, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025. She was 77. Cathi was born to RV Deitz and Charlotte “Lottie” Deitz on October 18, 1948, in Mobile, Alabama as the eldest of their six children. Her father was an officer with the United States Army, which afforded a childhood of travel and wonder. Cathi was a constant source of humor to family and friends. She was the life of the party, and if you were with Cathi, you were laughing. Every family member and friend always wanted to visit her because they knew she would make them laugh the entire time. Under the circumstances, Cathi was taken from us slowly. Even at her sickest, she had a smile that would light up the room and a love that would make your heart beat twice. Cathi adored watching old television shows – Alfred Hitchcock, Matlock, Gunsmoke – all of the classics. She also enjoyed decorating her home.

Of everything Cathi loved in life, she loved her family above all. She devoted her entire life to making sure her family knew how much she loved them. She was known as “Cacci” to her grandchildren, and she spent as much time with them as she could. Cathi was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend and will be greatly missed.

Cathi was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Ericka Merriam; brothers, Christopher Deitz and Rick Deitz; sister, Cherri Stanford; and nephew, Jud “Max” Kennedy. Each of these were a significant part of her life and will be remembered fondly.

She is survived by her sons, Mark Merriam and David Merriam (Donna); grandchildren, Logan Merriam (Abigail), Vonn Merriam (fiancée Autumn), Madelyn Merriam, Olivia Merriam, Hunter Murphy, and Dalton Murphy (Daley); great-grandchildren, Maisyn Murphy, McLeod Murphy, Bowen Merriam, and Thalia Merriam; brother, Steve Deitz (Kim); sisters, Debbie Lyons (Mark) and Cindy Printz (Perry); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other cherished family and friends.

Please join us for a memorial service to celebrate the life of Catherine Ann Merriam. We will gather together on Friday, November 7th, 2025 at St Dominic Catholic Church, located at 4156 Burma Road Mobile, AL 36693. Visitation will be held at 10 am, followed by Mass in the church at 11am, followed by her burial at Pine Crest Cemetery, located at 1939 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605.