Frances Carlene (Keller) Merritt
Frances Carlene (Keller) Merritt, 83 of Lucasville, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 25, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Frances was born February 24, 1943 in North Moreland, to Carl Orville and Rebecca Arlene (Mayhew) Keller. She grew up with her family in North Moreland and was known as “Francie” to many. Frances attended East High School in Sciotoville and trained as a Dental Assistant in the office of Dr. Burl Miller in 1965. She furthered that career at the Scioto County Joint Vocational School in the Dental Assisting Program where she trained many students. She retired in 2003. Frances also served her community for many years as a dedicated Advanced EMT and member of the Ladies Auxiliary for Valley Township Volunteer Fire Department.
She was a member of Scioto Baptist Church on Cockrell’s Run in Lucasville. She loved shopping, music, a good book, going to the movie theater by herself and talking on the phone to her friends and family. She was creative and artistic as she loved to draw and paint. She also loved traveling to Gatlinburg every fall with her husband and family. She especially loved being “Nanny” to her grandbabies as they were her pride and joy.
Frances is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Larry Dean Merritt of Lucasville; one daughter Becky Merritt Smith and husband Adam of Lucasville; 3 beautiful grandchildren Erika Elizabeth Smith, Alexander Dean Smith and Ana Rebecca Smith of Lucasville; her brothers Robert Keller and wife Becky of Westerville and Jeff Keller of Portsmouth; many wonderful in-laws, nieces and nephews. She will forever be missed by her loving family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her oldest daughter Stacey Deanne Merritt in 2005; siblings Pamela Gambill, Kimberly Nolen and Steven Keller, and her special in-laws, Harold and Bonnie Merritt and extended family members.
The family wishes to thank her loving caregivers, Kerry and Rachelle, for the wonderful care they have given to Frances. Thanks also to Heartland Hospice of Lucasville and to her many nurses, especially Rhiana.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at Scioto Baptist Church, with Gary Brown and Kevin Greene officiating. Burial will follow in Lucasville Cemetery. Friends may call from 1:00 pm until the services on Wednesday at the church. Services are under the direction of the McKinley Funeral Home.
