Mother Mildred Merritt, 87, departed this earthly life on September 3, 2017 at St. Luke's Hospital. She was born May 30, 1930 to Fred and Beatrice Rentie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Merritt, Sr.; sons, Walter Merritt, Jr, James Merritt, Lewis Merritt, Sr., Ernest Merritt, Sr., and Paul Merritt; brothers, Roscoe Rentie, Fred Rentie, Jr, and Woodrow Rentie; sisters, Mackie B. Rentie and Lula Mae Rentie; and grandson, Lewis Merritt, Jr. Mother Merritt was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and later moved to Kansas City with her husband, Walter, where she lived the reminder of her life. She was a devoted housewife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Known as a strong woman of great character who loved the Lord. Mother Merritt attended Great Pentecostal Church for many years. She most recently attended Temple of Truth Baptist Church. She lived a wonderful and blessed life, teaching her children and grandchildren the ways of the Lord and the power of prayer.She was loved and adored by many and will be greatly missed. She leaves to cherish her memory and will be lovingly remembered by; her daughters, Beatrice Wilmey (O.C.) of Burlington, IA, Lula Renee Luster (Michael) and Joehanna Merritt both of Kansas City, MO; brothers Morris Rentie, Sr. and Eddie Dean Rentie both of Tulsa, OK; sisters, Shirley Rentie, Gloria Rentie and Joyce Rentie all of Tulsa, OK; 23 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren and host of family and friends. Funeral services Saturday, September 9, 11:00 a.m. at Temple of Truth Baptist Church. Interment XII Gates Memorial Gardens. Visitation 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.