May 11, 1912 – Jan. 6, 2013

CROWLEY, La. — Graveside services for Velma Ruth Gaudet Merritt, 100, a lifelong resident of Crowley, La., will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Old Crowley Cemetery with the Rev. Herman Ogea, pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church, officiating.

Burial will follow under the direction of Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home of Crowley.

Mrs. Merritt was born May 11, 1912, in Donaldsonville, La., the daughter of Elmer Leonce Gaudet and Sarah “Sadie” Adele Menzies Gaudet.

She was a graduate of Crowley High School and was employed by Bell South Company in Crowley in her earlier years. In November 1955, she married David Vincent Merritt of Wright, La., and lived on their rice farm for 22 years until his death in 1978. She then returned to the family home in Crowley.

Mrs. Merritt was a faithful member of Trinity Episcopal Church until her declining years prevented her from attending church. She enjoyed national and international travel, gardening, animals and was an accomplished artist. She lived most of her life in Crowley until moving to The Loyalton Assisted Living in Biloxi three years ago.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one brother, Dr. Elmer Lawrence Gaudet and his wife, Loretta Dorothy of Natchez.

Survivors include two nephews, Dr. Elmer Lawrence Gaudet Jr. and wife, Doretha, of Biloxi, and Dr. Edward Leon Gaudet and wife, Mary Jane; one niece, Dorothy Louise Gaudet Rainer, all of Natchez; one grandnephew; four grandnieces; two great-grandnephews and nine great-grandnieces.

The family expresses sincere appreciation to Ruth’s longtime neighbors, Kevin and Holly Broussard for their friendship and help they generously gave over a number of years.

Online condolences may be sent to www.geesey-ferguson.com.