Patricia “Pat” Louise Merritt

Patricia “Pat” Louise Merritt slipped peacefully into the arms of her Lord on September 5, 2017 in Fallbrook, Calif. at the age of 95 of natural causes.

Pat was born April 9, 1922 in Tacoma, Wash. and moved to Riverside, Calif. with her mother Dorothy V. Bradford at the age of two. Later she moved to San Bernardino, Calif. where her mother married Walter Manthey, her beloved stepfather. Pat attended San Bernardino High School and graduated in 1939.

She attended Woodbury Business College in Los Angeles where, as a teaching assistant, she met Gerald G. Larsen whom she married. She and Jerry had her two sons Mike and Dick and lived in Redlands, Calif. for many years. Pat later married Ralph “Pete” Merritt and they moved to Fallbrook, Calif. where she lived the last 40 years of her life.

She was very active in the community serving the PTA, Boy Scouts of America, Redlands Community Hospital Volunteers, United Way, and Assistance League. Pat enjoyed golf and won many tournaments. She was a fierce competitor often beating her sons on her Rancho Monserate golf course.

She was active in the Fallbrook community serving as a hospital volunteer and holding many positions in the Rancho Monserate Park Association. She was a longtime member of the Congregational Church attending both in Redlands and Escondido, Calif. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, playing bridge, her many close friends, and especially her beloved cats Emmie and Tina.

Always upbeat and positive, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Pat adored her sons and doted on her grandchildren. Although she thought she lived a little too long, we didn’t think she lived long enough.

She is survived by her sons Michael G. “Mike” Larsen of Orange, Calif .; Richard N. “Dick” Larsen (Theresa) of Hope, Idaho; stepson R.P. “Pete” Merritt III (Barbara) of Sandpoint, Idaho; grandchildren David Larsen (Molly), Katherine Cook (Justin), Rob Merritt (Aubrey), and Anne Robershaw (Ryan); great-grandchildren Beau Larsen, Finn Cook, Carter Merritt, and Gavin Merritt.

The family would like to extend our deepest thanks to her wonderful neighbors who always cared for mom over the last several years. Also, a special thank you to Marta Donovan, her friend and caregiver, for her dedication and love to Pat.

There will be a celebration of Pat’s life on September 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Rancho Monserate Park Association clubhouse, 4650 Dulin Road, Fallbrook, Calif.