Jane (Wheaton) Merritt

Jane Merritt (Wheaton), age 87, of Orange MA, died peacefully on December 13, 2020 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Center in Worcester after a long illness. Jane was born on March 29, 1933 to Wilfred and Helen (White) Wheaton in Sharon CT. As a young girl her family moved to Orange MA where she spent most of her childhood. She graduated from Orange High School in 1951. On June 29, 1960, she married Melvin Merritt and for 60 years they raised 5 children. Jane was a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved to bake. Her “apple-pan downy” was always a big hit at family gatherings. Jane loved animals. She particularly loved to watch the birds and feed them. She was a kind and loving person who would always see good in others. Janes greatest love was for her creator Jehovah and her faith in his promises. In 1967, she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and spent the rest of her life serving her God faithfully. She was an active member, for 53 years, of the Orange Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses which she viewed as her loving extended family. She was always ready to express her faith to others about the ransom sacrifice of Jesus and the wonderful promises of a paradise earth that the Bible held out Besides her loving husband Mel, of 60 years, Jane leaves 5 children, Dan Griffiths and his wife Barbara of Erving MA, Lauri Griffiths of Orange MA, John Griffiths and his wife Faith of Athol MA, Joe Merritt and his wife Debbie of Athol MA, Patty Sponenberg and her husband Jay of Leominster MA, a niece Linda Leonard of Orange MA and several other loving nieces and nephews. She also leaves 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildrenwhom she loved very much. She was predeceased by all of her loving siblings Luella Copeland, Frances Cloukey, Evelyn Fountain, Janice McCormick, and John Wheaton The family would like to extend a special thank you to all who assisted in her care. In particular, Nancy Clark of Fallon Navicare and her PCA’s Mary Wentz and Elizabeth Castillo. There are no calling hours. There will be a Zoom Memorial Service at a date to be determined. If you would like to attend, please contact the family. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Jehovah’s Witnesses Worldwide Work on jw.org. Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange is assisting with arrangements.