Anita Merrell, 90, of Apopka, Florida, passed away on August 22, 2021. Mrs. Merrell was born on May 11, 1931 in Eger, Czecholovakia. She is survived by her daughter Joan (David) Altizer; nieces Brigitte Kelsey and Monika Hadley; brother in law Francis Phaneuf; grand puppies Cookie and Sabrina; grand bird Tiki as well as all of her extended family. She will be dearly missed.
Joan Altizer says
My mother was a real spitfire. She had boundless energy and drive. She even took a class in junior college to learn how to work on her own car. She wasn’t afraid to tackle anything or anybody. She was also a loner, but if you became her friend, you were friends for life. She was my best friend, and sometimes my worst enemy. She dearly loved our dogs and always referred to them as “our” puppies. I could always count on her to puppy-sit the furry grandkids. She is pictured with Samantha who went to the Rainbow Bridge in January 2011. I hope they’re giving each other loving kisses. Samantha went to live with her shortly after my father passed away, and she helped give my mother a reason to keep moving forward. Now Mother is one of heaven’s angels and should have a lot of company. I miss you, I’ll always miss you and I will never, ever be the same.
Chrissie says
This is Lovely Joan! I know you will miss her till you see her again. Remember she is Always with you.
Love, Chrissie
FRANCIS PHANEUF says
She was truly an outstanding lady and will be missed by all.
Sherri Leggett says
Joan, I know you will miss your mother for the rest of your life. The two of you had a very close bond and were tied at the hip.
As difficult as it is right now, remember she loved you with all of her heart, and you will see each other again.
Know that we love you.
Sherri
Lori Stricklin says
I was a school aged little girl that grew up a few doors down from The Merrell family. My father,George Royal worked with Lou Merrell. What I remember as a young girl is that Anita was an incredible seamstress. Her sewing room was outside the main house. I also remember your mother as an avid gardener. In the summer, Anita would pay my sister and I twenty five cents for every tomato hornworm we would pick off the tomato vines. Twenty five cents bought a lot of fun things at Flynn’s market across the street.