Jacalyn M. "Jacki" Merritt

A Life of Faith, Love, Laughter, and Extraordinary Moments

Jacalyn Marie “Jacki” Merritt, of Frankfort, Ohio, passed away on November 3, 2026, surrounded by the overwhelming love of her family. She left this world just as she lived in it—wrapped in love, surrounded by those who cherished her, and leaving behind a lifetime of beautiful memories, countless friendships, and a legacy of love that will live on forever.

Some people simply have a way of making the world a better place. Jacki was one of those people. With her beautiful smile, compassionate heart, unwavering faith in the Lord, and endless generosity, Jacki had an extraordinary ability to make everyone around her feel special. She never needed recognition or praise for the things she did. Helping others was simply who she was. She was the person who showed up, the one who gave without expecting anything in return, and the friend who could always be counted on. More often than not she put everyone else’s needs before her own.

Jacki had a gift for turning something ordinary into something extraordinary. Whether she was planning a celebration, preparing a meal, volunteering, or simply spending time with the people she loved, she had a way of making every moment feel special. For many years, she worked as a party planner at the Christopher Conference Center, where she found so much joy in creating unforgettable celebrations and bringing happiness to others. She believed life was meant to be celebrated, and she made sure those around her felt the same.

Her greatest love story began in the most unexpected place—at a Little League baseball game. It was there that she met Doug Merritt, the man who would become the love of her life. Their first date followed the very next day, beginning a beautiful journey that would span 45 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, adventures, and memories that will forever be cherished.

Jacki was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother. Her family was her world, and nothing brought her greater happiness than being surrounded by those she loved. She celebrated their accomplishments, supported them through life’s challenges, and loved them with her whole heart. Outside of her family, Jacki found joy in many of life’s simple pleasures. She loved fishing, cooking, the special memories she made during her trip to Alaska, and cheering on her beloved Michigan Wolverines. Her love for Michigan football was just one of the many things that made her uniquely Jacki. But perhaps one of Jacki’s greatest gifts was friendship. To know her was to have someone in your corner. She wasn’t simply a friend to many; she was a best friend, a confidante, a listening ear, and a source of comfort. Her kindness reached far beyond her family, touching the lives of more people than she could have ever imagined.

Jacki leaves behind her loving husband of 45 years, Doug Merritt; her daughter, Abby (Clint) Hatton; and her son, Levi (Haley) Merritt. She was the proud and loving grandmother of Sophie Hatton, Leo Hatton, Moxon Merritt, and Maverick Merritt, each of whom held a very special place in her heart. Jacki also shared a special bond with Clay Roll and Buddy Barnes, whom she loved as her own sons. They held a special place in her heart and were truly family to her. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Shirley Merritt; her brothers, Tim (Sherry) Bossert and Tom (Peggy) Bossert; and her sister-in-law, Marlyn (Wayne) Fisher. Jacki also leaves behind her beloved nieces and nephews, Shannon Bossert, Shawn (Jamie) Bossert, Lincoln (Kim) Bossert, Shane (Lisa) Hardy, Ethan (Sharon) Fisher, Dalton (Amber) Merritt, Erica (Caleb) McKinney, and Reba Merritt, along with her many great-nieces and great-nephews, whom she loved dearly. She held a special place in her heart for her dear friends; Tonyea Adams, Taylor Springer, and Katrina Horsley, along with the many other wonderful friends who became family throughout her life. And of course, her beloved bulldog, Tootsie, held a special place in her heart. Jacki was preceded in death by her loving parents, Harry and Phyllis Bossert; her father-in-law, Rodger Merritt; her brother-in-law, Dwight Merritt; her sibling, Bobby Lee; and her beloved niece, Lauren Fisher.

Her faith was the foundation of the life she lived. Jacki was a devoted member of Barnyard Believers, a church led by her cousin Craig (Kim) Reichert. Her love for the Lord was reflected not only in her words but in her actions. She had a servant’s heart, finding joy in volunteering, helping those in need, and sharing God’s love through everyday acts of kindness. For Jacki, faith wasn’t simply something she believed in; it was something she lived.

Although her family and friends will miss her beautiful smile, her laughter, her generosity, and her comforting presence, they find peace in knowing that the love she gave so freely will never disappear. Her life was a beautiful example of faith in action, selfless love, and the importance of showing up for the people who matter most. Jacki didn’t need grand gestures to make a difference. She made a difference in everyday moments, through simple acts of kindness, through her compassion, and through the countless ways she reminded others that they were loved, and perhaps that is the most beautiful thing about her life. She didn’t just turn ordinary things into extraordinary ones. She made ordinary people feel extraordinary simply by loving them. Her love will live on in every family gathering, every celebration, every cast of a fishing line, every Michigan touchdown, and every act of kindness inspired by her example.

Her presence was a blessing. Her love was a gift. And her legacy will live on forever.

A funeral service for Jacki will be held at 1 PM on Monday, November 9, 2026, in Ebright Funeral Home, Frankfort, with Craig Reichert officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Frankfort. Following the service a meal will be lovingly provided by Jacki’s church at SB Arena, 5877 State Route 207, Clarksburg, Ohio 43115. Family and friends are welcome to gather, share memories, and continue celebrating Jacki’s beautiful life.