Leah Rae Merrill

Leah Rae Merrill, 80, of Lubbock, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday evening, February 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.  Leah was born on October 10, 1943, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to the late Herbert Lew Merrill and Edith Bernice (Bassett) Merrill.

Leah attended and graduated from Borah High School in 1961, and later attended college at Idaho State University in Boise.

Leah worked for the Salvation Army in Boise, in the Human Resources Department, for more than 25 years, before retiring in 2008 and moving to Lubbock.  She worked for Women’s Protective Services in Lubbock for 5 years and volunteered at Family Counseling Services in Lubbock.  Leah loved to garden, doing crafts, and taking care of her furry Pomeranian named Jane.  She loved her family dearly, loved the holidays and decorating, as well as devoted to her bible study.  Leah was a member of Church on the Rock Dream Center Campus. 

Those left to honor and cherish her memory include her children:  Courtney Forrest (Kevin) of Lubbock, Jennifer Fortenberry (Jeremy) of Lubbock, Toni Ellison (Tim) of Weatherford, Brandy Estrada of Weatherford, and Randy Estrada (Teresa) of Plano; one brother, Jerry Merrill of Utah; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers:  Steve Wetzel, Melvin Merrill and Leo Merrill; two infant sons; her great-granddaughter, Kylee Forrest, and her sister-in-law, Ellen Merrill.

Celebration of Life Memorial Services are pending at this time and will be posted when announced.  Cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes and Crematory in Lubbock.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that people donate in Leah's memory to the Salvation Army of Lubbock, 1111 16^th Street, Lubbock, TX 79401 or to Family Counseling Services, 5701 Avenue P, Lubbock, TX 79412.