Joan B. Merritt

Joan B. Merritt, 92, of Lake Ariel, died July 4, 2025 at Sacred Heart Hospice Center in Dunmore, PA. She was preceded in death by her husband Lavern R. Merritt, also of Lake Ariel. They had been married 43 years.

Born in Abington, PA, daughter of the late Elmer and Helen Beidler, she was a graduate of Wilson High School where she was the first female student council president (for two years) and then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Kutztown State College. In college, she was a star athlete, excelling in basketball, softball, field hockey, track and field and was named to The Kutztown University Athletics Hall of Fame in May of 2002.

Following graduation, she used her degree to start the first kindergarten in Lake Ariel where she taught for five years before "retiring" to raise her children. She was a lifelong, active member at Grace Episcopal Church in Honesdale where she volunteered with Sunday School, fundraising events and various social activities. She was a Girl Scout's leader for more than ten years.

She was a fixture in the Lake Ariel community where her children and several grandchildren attended school and her husband, Lavern was a long-serving Principal and Acting Superintendent. But she was best known for her joyous and engaging personality, always quick with a smile and generous with hugs. She was playful with a great sense of humor and a genuine appreciation for her many friendships which endured for a lifetime. She loved playing with her son's dog Chewbacca and her outdoor cat named Kitty. She entertained the closest of friends (the over 80s ladies) at her home every Friday afternoon, well into her 90s, and the laughter and good times they shared serve as a life lesson to all who knew her.

Her greatest lifetime achievement and joy was her family which includes her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by two daughters, Suzanne Merritt of Boston, MA, Sandra Buffie (and spouse Craig) of Great Falls, VA; two sons, James Merritt (and spouse Rose) of Lake Ariel, PA, Keith Merritt of Three Rivers, CA; seven grandchildren, Brittany (and spouse Carlyle), Rachel, Devon, Rhys, Tyler (and spouse Allie), David (and spouse Sarah) and Emily (and spouse Joseph) and seven great grandchildren, Milo, Penelope, Camille, Jack, Casey, Emma and Henry. She was respected, admired and loved by all of them.

There will be a private family service at her Lake Ariel home, followed by a private burial service at Tompkinsville cemetery.