Obituary of Jamie Dawn Merritt

Jamie Dawn Merritt, age 43, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was abruptly taken from us on March 24, 2017 due to a tragic motor vehicle accident. Jamie was born in Fort Worth, Texas on May 26, 1973, and grew up in Knox, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Donald L. Minich and Penny P. Neely. She graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She was married to former husband, Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Wayne Merritt in 1996, and was the loving mother to their two children, Julia Dawn Merritt and Jordan Douglas Merritt, ages 17 and 14. Jamie was passionate about many things in life. Her drive and zeal for adventure was exhibited through a deep love of animals, exploration of the outdoors, being a wrangler on a dude ranch, various activities in the El Paso 4-H Club, and even achieving a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Her active life has led her to reside in Hawaii, Alaska, and then she ultimately found her home in Colorado, where she worked as a preschool aide at Monument Academy. Jamie was involved in many activities at New Life Church, where she was baptized in the Christian faith.She is survived by her children, Julia Dawn Merritt and Jordan Douglas Merritt; mother, Penny P. Neely; father, Donald L. Minich; stepfather, Bud Neely; her grandmother, Shirley Pence; siblings, Shauna West and husband, Olin, Ashley Tonkinson and husband, Duncan, Abby Graeffe and husband, Jack, Will Neely and wife, Heidi, Ross Neely and wife, Justine, and Olivia Neely; and her seven nieces and nephews. Memorial Service to Celebrate Jamie's Life, 6:00PM, Thursday, March 30, 2017 at the World Prayer Center in New Life Church, 11025 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80921. There will also be a memorial service in her hometown Knox, Pennsylvania, date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jamie's memory to New Life Church of Colorado Springs, or El Paso County 4-H. Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services - North6575 Oakwood BoulevardColorado Springs, COUnited States 80923 Events Service Thursday, March 30, 2017 6:00PM New Life Church World Prayer Center 11025 Voyager Parkway Colorado Springs, CO 80921