Florence Merritt, age 96, of Elkhart, Kansas died November 8, 2013 at the Morton County Hospital in Elkhart, Kansas. She was born May 5, 1917 near Lowe, in Chattanooga County, Kansas, the daughter of Lester and Lulu (Briggs) Weaver.

Florence graduated high school in Elk City, Kansas. She and her mother-in-law ran Merritt’s Café, and for 25 years she was the Morton County Register of Deeds. Florence married Earl Oscar Merritt on January 1, 1937 in Independence, Kansas. She was a member of the Republic Party, VFW Auxiliary, First Baptist Church, and served on the Morton County Museum Board. Florence was also the Woman of the Year.

Survivors include son, James E. Meritt and wife Carol of Elkhart, Kansas; brother, Lyle Weaver of Fredonia, Kansas; sister, Esther Stephenson of Dodge City, Kansas; granddaughters, Pam Baldwin and husband Dana, Debby Williams and Eva, Barbie McCallion and husband Dennis; and great-grandchildren, Tannan Baldwin, Garrett Baldwin and wife Tammie, Brandon Williams, Christopher Williams, Michael McCallion, Cherokee McCallion, and Gerico McCallion.

Florence is preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Irene Lucille; and two brothers, Harold and Ivan.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Ed Richards officiating. Interment will follow at the Elkhart Cemetery in Elkhart, Kansas. Friends may call from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart, Kansas. The family requests memorials may be given to the Morton County Museum or the First Baptist Church in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950.