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 and her husband Bud; father, Donald L. Minich; 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.

Jamie was preceded in death by her grandparents Gene and Norma Minich and Vern Pence.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at the Knox United Methodist Church, 628 W Railroad St., Knox.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am in the church with Pastor Dave Coul officiating, followed by a graveside committal at Starr Cemetery in Nineveh.

After the memorial service the family has invited everyone to spend the afternoon with them at a catered picnic at Mitchells Pond, 108 Mitchell Ponds Ln, Knox, in Jamies’s honor.

The family is requesting that anyone attending the memorial service wear something red in honor of Jamie’s favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jamie’s memory to the Knox United Methodist Church or the Clarion County 4-H.

To view and share photos or leave an online condolence please visit our website at www.mcentire-weaverfuneralhome.com