Retired Major Christy Jane Merrick

In Loving Memory of U.S. Army Major (Retired) Christy J. Merrick

Honoring a Distinguished Life of Service

It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the passing of U.S. Army Major (Retired) Christy J. Merrick, who left us on May 29, 2026, at the age of 75 after a brief battle with cancer. Christy was not only a respected military leader but also a cherished daughter, devoted sister, beloved aunt, and loyal friend. Her kindness, integrity, and unwavering support enriched the lives of all who had the privilege to know her.

Christy was born on January 13, 1951, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to the late Bobbie Melton “Bob” Merrick and Ruth Charlene “Cricket” Warren Merrick and raised on the family farm in rural Bertrand, Missouri. Christy’s early years were filled with compassion and a determination to serve. She graduated from Thomas W. Kelly High School in 1969 and from Southeast Missouri State University in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

Christy then embarked on a remarkable and distinguished career in the United States Army. Through her leadership and dedication, she earned the admiration of her peers and the gratitude of her country and was fondly referred to by her troops as ‘Major Mom’. Christy served her country for 18 years until forced to medically retire in 1989 as Lieutenant Colonel (Promotable). Christy’s dedication to her career was remarkable as evidenced by her many awards and achievements as a female leader in a predominantly male field. Many referred to her as a ‘bad-ass’ role model for women in an era when female leaders in the military were few. Christy was a member of US Army Signal Corp serving multiple commands at Fort Gordon, Fort Bragg, Fort Leavenworth General Command Staff College, SHAPE Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium and Defense Depot Ogden, Utah.

Post retirement, Christy lost her eyesight. She spent many years of her life volunteering with the Blinded Veterans Association where she served as President for 5 years.

Christy valued her roles as daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was always there to offer love, guidance, and encouragement. She found so much joy in volunteering her time working with other veterans. She loved her cats, listening to music, drinking sugar-free hazelnut lattes, eating chocolate chip cookies made by her friend Patsy, and treasured moments spent with her family and friends.

Christy is survived by sisters Candy Merrick of Shawnee, KS who was her devoted caregiver for 30+ years, Robin Clark (Byars) of Vienna, WV, Camella Folsom (David) of Basehor, KS, Jane Merrick, Bertrand, MO, honorary sisters Patsy Crouch, Basehor, KS and Joyce Collier, Benton, MO, nieces Adrianna Clark, Madison, GA, Brittany Clark, Cranberry Township, PA, Mallory Folsom, Las Vegas, NV and nephews, Robert Merrick, Jackson, MO and Ben Clark, Westerville, Ohio, beloved Αunt Greta Watson, Mart, TX, 1 great niece, 3 great nephews and many special cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents Bob and Ruth Merrick, and her brother, John W. Merrick.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, Missouri.

Interment with full military honors will follow at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston, Missouri.

All who knew her are invited to honor her legacy of service, compassion, and connection.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to The Heartland Regional Group of the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) in Christy’s memory in care of KCVA, 4801 Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64128, attn: Voluntary Service.

Major Christy J. Merrick’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.