William 'Keith' Merrill

William “Keith” Merrill, a longtime resident of New Ipswich, NH, passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with cancer on January 31, 2019.

He was born on January 10, 1942 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, a son of the late Rex and Mildred (Tolley) Merrill.

Keith, as he was known by family and friends, was raised and educated in Menan, Idaho. Keith had many different occupations in his lifetime, most memorably he drove potato trucks, ran a pool plastering business, and a machinist, he was also a skilled laborer for Hutter Construction, and in retirement he cut and sold fire wood. He was a very hard worker who dedicated himself to taking care of his family. In his spare time, he liked to fish, have backyard barbeques, play with his grandkids and enjoy any time he could spend with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Louise (Bartel) Merrill of New Ipswich, NH, who cared for him at home during his declining health; his three children, Jennifer Buttrick and her husband Ben Buttrick of Greenville, NH as well as their two children Dylan and Gavin Buttrick; Heather Starks and her husband Jonathan Starks of Brookline, NH and their children, Adriana Rosen and Amelia Starks; Derek Merrill and his wife Chelsea Merrill of Rindge, NH and their daughter Senia Merrill. He also leaves behind numerous siblings; Diane, Glenda, Bonnie, Terri, Richard, and two siblings who died earlier, Merlin (Rex Jr.) and Lorin. Through a previous marriage he had four children; Lonnie, Shaun, Travis and Jason. Keith also has many nieces and nephews, all of which are sad to see him go.

Anyone that met Keith throughout his life was touched by his kindness and his gentle nature. He will be forever missed by all who knew him especially his close family and friends.

Abiding by Keith’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.

Family and friends are warmly invited to his memorial service which will take place on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 3:00pm at Christian Outreach Church, 199 North Street, Rindge, NH 03461. Pastor and Keith’s good friend, Robert Hakala will officiate. Burial will be in Idaho at the convenience of the family.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Good Neighbor Fund, PO Box 486, Jaffrey, NH 03452