Penelope (Penny) Eileen Merritt, 80, died on November 4, 2022

MERRITT—Penelope (Penny) Eileen Merritt, 80, died on November 4, 2022 in Florence, Ore., at her home after a lengthy illness, surrounded by her immediate, loving family.

Penny was born on Feb.16, 1942, in San Pedro, Calif., to science-fiction author Frank Herbert and Flora Herbert (later Flora Petersen). She had three sisters and two brothers.

Penny attended Delta College in Stockton, Calif., where she lived most of her early life. But she also spent time in Port Townsend, Wash., and finally settled in Florence, Ore., where she happily ran Kitchen Klutter down on Bay Street for many years.

She had many jobs during her life, including being a cannery worker, activity director, and business owner. Her hobbies included jeep racing, bowling, and visiting as many covered bridges as she could find.

She loved to travel with her sister, Marteen Wick, before Penny’s energy levels restricted her. Before then, though, she traveled extensively, including a very memorable trip to Ireland. She also had several lifelong friendships with high school friends Linda Hess, Bernice Lewis, and Elsie Lucchesi.

Penny is survived by her husband, David R. (Ron) Merritt Sr., of which they were married for an incredible 62 years. Ron currently lives in Florence, Ore. She is also survived by the following family: her three children, David R. Merritt Jr. of Redmond, Ore., Byron Merritt of Marina, Calif., and Robert Merritt of Port Angeles, Wash.; her nine grandchildren include Krystle Merritt of Rancho Cordova, Calif., Ashley Merritt of San Diego, Calif., Byron Merritt Jr. of San Diego, Calif., and the “Grandchildren Clan of the North,” all from Port Angeles, Wash.: Brody, Easton, Molly, Cooper, Jace, and Lily; and last but definitely not least, her brother-in-law John Wick. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank Herbert and Flora Petersen, as well as her brother Bruce Herbert and her beloved sister Marteen Wick, whom she lays very close to now for all eternity. 

Per Penny’s request, services were held quickly after her death on Nov. 11, 2022, at the gravesite at Pacific Sunset Cemetery. A small gathering of family and friends were present.