Dolores "Lynn" Merritt, 79, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Saturday morning, January 6, 2024, at Winfield Rest Haven.

Born August 12, 1944, in Arkansas City, Kansas, she was the daughter of Leo C. and Georgia "Helen" (Gipson) Phillips.  She was raised and received her education in Winfield, graduating from Winfield High School in 1962.

Lynn was united in marriage to John Arthur Merritt on December 25, 1962, in Springfield, Colorado.  The couple dedicated their lives to ministry and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.  In addition to being a Pastor's wife, Lynn was constantly involved with Prison Ministries, Homeless Ministries, and Operation Christmas Child. She also worked for several years in medical records at Good Samaritan in Winfield.  John preceded Lynn in death on May 17, 2001.  Lynn later became ordained and served as the Lead Pastor at Praise Cathedral Church of God in Winfield.

She enjoyed fishing, sewing, garage sales, and making peanut brittle.  She also loved babies and was known as the baby whisperer. Lynn loved music, especially singing with her family.

Her family includes her siblings, Carlene Whitney of Derby; Karen Wylie and husband, Charles of Nocona, TX; Diane Dean of Carrollton, TX; Jim Phillips and wife, Debbie of Winfield; Pamela Doyle and husband, Ron of Derby; Connie Lawson of Winfield; Sherri Beebe of Winfield; Lisa Foust and husband, Kelly of Winfield; and her many foster children, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Lynn was preceded in death by a sister Kay Perdaris.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at the Church of the Nazarene in Winfield.  Interment will follow at Maple City Cemetery.  A visitation is scheduled at Miles Funeral Service on Wednesday from 4 to 8 P.M.  The family will greet visitors from 4 to 6 that evening.

A memorial has been established in Lynn's name for Winfield Rest Haven.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Lynn's funeral service will be streamed live from the Winfield Nazarene Facebook page:

https://fb.watch/px8Cig-OoT/