In loving memory of Marie Lucille Campobasso Merritt.

January 19,1925 - November 23, 2020.
Marie was born at her family home in Republic, Washington to Mike and Kate (La Fleur) Campobasso and was the sixth of ten children. She was raised on the reservation and was a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes. At the age of 18 she moved to Seattle to settle into her new job at, Frederick & Nelson which she truly loved. Heading home on the bus one day she ran into her sister Sadie, who was married to Ira J. Merritt. Ira was overseas serving in the Army and Marie moved in with Sadie and Sadie's mother-in-law, Lessie Merritt. Lessie decided that Marie was the perfect match for her son Sylvan, who was also serving in the Army. When he came home on leave, they met. Following a whirlwind romance, they were married on January 7th, 1944 in Seattle, Washington.
After Sylvan returned home from World War II, they lived in Seattle for a short time before the two sisters (former Campobasso now both Merritt's) brought their husbands home to Republic. Marie lived a long and fulfilling life that her family, friends, and loved ones can always remember and share. She was the kindest lady you could of have ever met.
Sylvan and Marie were in the logging business running a small-scale logging company. The family often moved, following timber jobs in Washington, Idaho, Colorado, and British Columbia. In 1968 the family moved to Cle Elum to work for Boise Cascade Lumber Company, where they spent the rest of their married lives. Marie cooked from scratch every meal. Her pizzas and red velvet cakes were famous with her family and friends. Marie was an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic church in Cle Elum for many years. Marie liked to go snowmobiling, fishing, boating, traveling the United States, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Sadly, shortly after her husband passed away in 2002 Marie was diagnosed with dementia/Alzheimer's. After losing her best friend of 58 years it was extremely hard at times for her to cope with this disease. Fortunately, she was blessed with seven children (and more grandchildren than she could count!) to be there for her. Marie moved to Tonasket, Washington in 2012 to be closer to her youngest daughter. The family found the most amazing home for her to be taken care of (North Valley Extended Care). She was surrounded by angels the whole time in the forms of the wonderful staff! Despite her illness she found that her job was not done in life. She taught people to be kind, loving, and forgiving. My Mom was crabby, cranky, ornery, but also very loving at the same time (thanks Alzheimer's!). The love she received back was incredible. Thank all of you for giving our Mother such a beautiful home, and for your eternal companionship.

Marie is survived by her seven children; Mike & Donna Merritt, Pat & Carolyn Merritt, Tib Merritt, Cindy & Paul Maglietti, Melissa Ballard & Rob Florence, Susan & Robert Will, and Tammy & Raymond Owens, 20 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Sylvan, her parents and siblings.

Marie's service will be held on Friday, December 18, 2020 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Tonasket, Washington. Rosary will be at 3:00 PM and mass at 4:00 PM. A memorial will also be held in July 2021 in Republic for both Sylvan and Marie.