Sandy Merritt

Sandy Merritt, 75, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. A memorial service will follow at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Mike Miller from Marion Christian Church officiating.

Sandy was born on September 16, 1949 in Strawberry Point, Iowa, the daughter of Roy and Lavon Atkinson. After graduating from North Linn High School, she earned her degree in teaching from Upper Iowa University and later completed her master’s in education administration at the University of Northern Iowa.

Sandy was united in marriage to Doug Shaffer June 1969. Together they lived in Coggon, Iowa and welcomed two daughters, Michelle and Staci, and later separated.

On June 18, 1988, Sandy married the love of her life, William “Bill” Merritt. They built a life together in Center Point. She was a first-grade teacher and high school drama coach at Center Point-Urbana School District. She was then an inclusion specialist with Grant Wood AEA before serving as a principal in the Independence School District. Even after "retiring" from education, Sandy remained dedicated to supporting educators, working as a S.A.M. coach in both Georgia and Iowa.

Since 2015, Sandy was actively involved with Families Helping Families, serving many years on the board, including as past president and, most recently, as vice president. She was a devoted member of First Christian Church in Center Point and Marion Christian Church, where she served as an Elder.

Her passion for children—especially those in foster care—and her unwavering commitment to equity and education have impacted countless lives. She taught first grade for 31 years and could remember every child that came thru her door. She was often seen as the second mom to dozens of drama students. Sandy recently completed writing a children's book, which is currently being illustrated and hope to be published soon.

Beyond her work and advocacy, family was always at the heart of Sandy’s life. She cherished annual wine trips with her family, always the guiding hand and caring presence, sharing her love of wine, famous “wine mix”, and words of wisdom. She was an avid supporter and attendee of Theatre Cedar Rapids where she cherished that time with her daughter and granddaughter together. She made it a point to travel to Texas yearly and help plan her granddaughter’s birthday parties and attend all of her dance recitals. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren adored their grandma/nana. Having everyone together was priceless to her and would leave her in happy tears.

Her travels took her to Alaska, Hawaii, Branson, Australia, Mackinaw Island, France, and countless others. She loved seeing the world.

Sandy never hesitated to help others—making weekly calls to elderly shut-ins, sending out countless Christmas cards, helping neighbors even thru her own tough times, and supporting dozens of non-profit organizations. Her kindness and generosity touched all who knew her.

Sandy is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughters, Michelle (Berne) Hotchkiss of Cedar Rapids and Staci (Chris) Tave of Texas; grandchildren, Kiona, Jai, Tyler, Megan, and Bryce; great-grandchildren, Bryson and D’Mari; grand-puppies, Molly, Bella, Seiya, and CoCo; siblings, Mark (Cathi) Atkinson, Mary (Steve) Ohl, Patti (Jeff) Boge, Nikki (Darrell) McElligott, Mary (Derek) Jensen, Russ (Denise), Sue (Randy), and Terri (Dennis); and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill (2018); her mother, Lavonne; father, Roy (Betty); in-laws, Earl and Lucille Merritt; brothers, Danny and Denny; siblings-in-law, Bob, Becky, and Barb; and special nephews, Dave and Dalton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to one of Sandy’s favorite charities: Families Helping Families, Young Parents Network, Dennis & Donna Hospice House of Mercy, Theatre Cedar Rapids, or a nonprofit of your choice in her honor.

Please share a memory of Sandy at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.