Elizabeth Ann Merritt

Elizabeth Ann Merritt, formerly Elizabeth A. Smith, passed away, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. She was the daughter of Agnes and Judd Smith of LaGrande, Oregon; Leona and Ed Sparks became Elizabeth’s legal guardians following the early death of Agnes Smith and the legal agreement of Judd Smith. Elizabeth has lived in Camden for most of her life.

Elizabeth was educated in Portland, Oregon; she was accepted into the US Navy in 1957 and honorably discharged on March 17, 1959. Tommy Merritt and Elizabeth Smith were married in Jacksonville, Florida in 1959.

Elizabeth is survived by her older son, Scott Merritt and daughter, Shannon Rhoades (Matt). She is also survived by four grandchildren; Heath Merritt (Kastle), Krystal Murphy, Brittany Merritt (Brandon), and Tiffany Merritt; and eight great grandchildren.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by husband, Thomas Merritt; son, Bobby Merritt; and daughter-in-law, Jill Merritt, great-granddaughter, Ryatt Merritt and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, July 6, 2026, at 9AM – 10:30AM at Proctor Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 11AM at Lakeside Cemetery.