Merlyn Faye Jenkins Ritchie, also know as Mom, Mimi and Aunt Merlyn, peacefully entered Heavens gates on April 2, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on October 7, 1944 in Baskin, Louisiana. She was the oldest of two children born to Claudie and Catherine Jenkins. Merlyn did not allow cancer to define her and fought a valiant fight sharing her faith with others along the way.
She attended school in Mangham, Louisiana and was a 1962 graduate of Mangham High School. She began college at Louisiana College the same year where she met her husband and their love story began. She was married to Carl Ritchie on August 21, 1964, in Jonesville, Louisiana. They moved to Texas shortly thereafter and settled in LaPorte, Texas in 1965. Merlyn and Carl were married for 56 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents Claudie and Catherine Jenkins of Baskin, Louisiana. She is survived by her two sons, Ricky Ritchie and wife Belinda of LaPorte, Texas; Ron Ritchie and wife Dana of Plano, Texas, five grandchildren, Bodie Ritchie, Iden Ritchie, Delaney Burton Pedigo and husband Paul, Dallas Burton, Trenton Burton. She is also survived by her sister Jeannie Jenkins Carnes and husband Jim of Dickinson, Texas and nephew Justin Carnes and wife Kristel and five great grandchildren and two great nephews.
Merlyn was a beacon for family and for her faith. She was a member of Baskin Baptist Church where for many years she was a member of various committees such Pastor Search Committees, Building Programs, and one of her favorite places to serve was in the Choir She loved all types of music was a very accomplished pianist and soloist. The family recalls her sitting at the computer every Saturday night preparing the Sunday bulletin. Many times she could be found spending extra time praying for those on the prayer list. Then on Sunday morning she would arrive early at church to print the bulletins and help Carl get coffee ready for Sunday School. She was truly a servant leader.
She was a strong, independent individual and always displayed a positive attitude. A family text group kept her in the loop and she could always be reached by phone or text if you needed her. She was easy to talk to and her sons friends were never hesitant to ask her for advice or share details.
Merlyn loved traveling (when she drove and not Carl) and every summer for approximately 40 years she and Carl spent time in Panama City Beach with family and friends. She loved going to Branson, Missouri and Mountainview, Arkansas and the Smoky Mountains where they would flea market shop, attend concerts and visit historical parks and museums.
While in LaPorte, Merlyn worked for LaPorte ISD at Lomax Elementary as Assistant Librarian, and also at College Park Elementary. She also worked at Texas Rehabilitation Services in Baytown, Texas. After moving back to Louisiana, she was the Village of Baskin Town Clerk. If you ever got a speeding ticket in Baskin, you probably talked to or met her!
The family will receive friends at Visitation on April 3, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Baskin Baptist Church, Baskin, Louisiana, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life scheduled at 4:00 p.m. under the direction of Dennard First National Funeral Home. The service will be officiated by Rev. Marion Spence, Rev. Brian Rogers and Rev. Jimmy Pitson. Pallbearers are Brad Banks, Corey Carter, Robert Neal Harwell, Charles McDonald, Bodie Ritchie and Brian Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Baskin Baptist Church "Franklin Graham Shoe Box Ministry", at P.O. Box 419, Baskin, Louisiana 71219.
The family would like to express a special thank you to the nursing staff and chaplain at LHC Hospice for their compassion, care and love for Merlyn during her journey from here to her eternal home in heaven.
"Well done, good and faithful servant"
Online condolences may be made at www.dennardfirstnational.com

Visitation
Baskin Baptist Church
Saturday, April 3, 2021
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Baskin, LA
Funeral Service
Baskin Baptist Church
Saturday, April 3, 2021
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Baskin, LA