Mrs. Merritt
Wanda Elaine “Sookie” Love Merritt, 77, of Sharp passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband, sons and family.
Elaine was born o n Ma r c h 30, 1949, on the family farm in Milam County to Clyde Milton and Carrie Mae Bingham Love.
A 1967 graduate of Rockdale High School, she pursued a career in cosmetology before marrying the love of her life, Robert “Bob” R. Merritt, on Dec. 7, 1968. Together, they shared 57 years of marriage and raised three wonderful sons.
Elaine devoted her life to being a loving wife and a proud mother. She never missed one of her sons’ baseball games, and she was a faithful supporter at the games of her nieces and nephews.
Her home was a warm and inv it ing place for everyone, where her smile and easy laugh made all feel welcome.
Known for her giving and generous heart, she was the “go-to” person for many, always offering encouragement and helping family through their hardest moments without judgment.
She soaked in ever y moment of life, finding deep joy in her family, babies, country music, and the beautiful rose bushes that reflected her lifelong love for gardening.
She and Bob loved the road trips they took together, whether it was their long journey out west or travels to visit friends and family in other parts of the country.
Beyond her adventures with Bob, Elaine’s life was defined by an immense love for her large family; she was one of twelve siblings and shared an unbreakable bond with her brothers and sisters. She especially cherished the annual “Sisters Weekend” trips with her six sisters—outings filled with laughter and deep friendship.
In recent years, Elaine had a passion for Mardi Gras in New Orleans, where she took great joy in riding on a float with the Krewe of Iris and throwing hand-decorated sunglasses to the crowds.
She is survived by her husband, Bob Merritt of Sharp; three sons, Clint Merritt and wife Amy of College Station, Brad Merritt and wife Sonya of Bryan, and Matt Merritt and wife Lorissa of Br yan; five grandchildren, Darby Brumlow and spouse Ian, McKenna Munoz and spouse Austin, Brett Merritt, Katelyn Merritt, and Brock Merritt; and her great-granddaughter, Merritt Jaye “MJ” Munoz.
Elaine is also survived by her sisters, Nancy Bales, Dottie Stevenson, and Susie (Karen) Dixon and husband Bill; brothers Leon Love and wife Coty, and Lynn Love; and brother-inlaw Paul Kruse; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law and mother- in-law, Ross and Leona Merritt; sisters Judi Kruse, Bobbye Runnels and Florene Acord; brothers Jimmie, Dennis, and infant brother Bryan Neal Love; and brothers-in-law Larry Bales, Martin Stevenson, J.D. Acord, and Joe Runnels.
Visitation will be Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale.
Services will be Saturday, May 2, at 1 p.m. at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home with Pastor John D. Stanislaw officiating. Internment will follow at Lilac Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Brett Merritt, Brock Merritt, Ian Brumlow, Austin Munoz, Wade Acord, John Stevenson, Ben Dixon and Zac Dixon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lilac Cemetery Association, c/o Penny Redington, 153 Magnolia Lane, Westworth Village, TX 76114.