Esther Jean Hyatt Merritt

ESTHER JEAN HYATT MERRITT, age 75, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away peacefully on May 26, 2011 at the Hospice Home Care In-Patient facility in Little Rock. She was born at Altheimer, Ark., on Oct. 22, 1935, to Stella Jane Gregory Hyatt and Herman Festus Hyatt. She was confirmed at the First Methodist Church in Benton, graduated with honors from Benton High School in 1953 and attended Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA). She married the love of her life, Hiram Prentice Merritt III on October 20, 1957, and lived in 12 different places in eight states during his career. She delighted in these experiences. Jean and Prentice raised two daughters, Deborah Sue Merritt of Cabot, Ark. and Laura Jane Merritt of Boise, Idaho. They have one grandson, Dylan John Rainey of San Antonio. Jean was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jimmy, John; sisters, Mary Wisner, Thelma Hyatt, Elna Ray and Margaret Trimble. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, grandson, brother Paul Hyatt, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and many friends. Jean was a very active member of St. James United Methodist Church. She loved music, studied voice, and sang in church choirs and other choral groups, some of which she directed, all her life. She enjoyed a good game of bridge, entertaining and volunteering. Her fondest place to volunteer was at Camp Aldersgate in Little Rock. The family would like to thank Hospice Home Care in Little Rock for the wonderful care they gave Jean. Visitation will be held at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 501-224-8300, from 6 until 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 31, 2011. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at St. James United Methodist Church with Reverend Fred Haustein and Reverend John Embrey officiating. Graveside services will be private at Old Rosemont Cemetery in Benton. Memorials may be made to Camp Aldersgate, 2000 Aldersgate Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72205-7018. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.