Pat Merrill Obituary

Patricia (Patty/Pat) Louise McManus Merrill, 73, died on December 15, 2025, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Born November 9, 1952, in Greeley, Colorado, Pat built a life defined by devotion to home and family, a sharp mind, and a deep love of books.

Pat lived in several places over the years, including Walnut Creek, Anaheim, and San Diego, California, as well as Salt Lake City, Utah, before most recently making her home in Arvada, Colorado. She graduated from the University of Utah in 1975 with a degree in Pharmacology and spent many years working as a pharmacist. After stepping away from her career to raise her two daughters, she later returned to work in a setting that suited her perfectly: the Ygnacio Valley Library.

Pat was also a talented golfer in her youth, winning several tournaments, including Mother-Daughter events with her mom, Janice McManus Reid—an early glimpse of her focus, competitiveness, and quiet confidence.

A lifelong avid reader, Pat especially loved murder mysteries and could always be counted on to have a book close at hand. She was also a devoted sports fan who loved watching baseball and football—cheering on the Colorado Rockies and the Denver Broncos with steady enthusiasm, even in the rough years.

Pat’s love for dogs was constant, and her beloved companions, Buffy and Bailey, were part of the fabric of her home and daily life.

Pat was born to John McManus and Janice McManus Reid and was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Michael McManus.

Pat is survived by her husband of 48 years, Wesley Parish Merrill; her daughters, Jenny and Cindy; Cindy’s husband, Anthony; her grandchildren, Cole and Ava; and her brother, Ryon McManus, and his wife, Donna McManus.

An informal celebration of life will be held at Aspen Mortuary (6370 Union St, Arvada, CO 80004) on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Jefferson County Library Foundation in Pat’s memory, in honor of her love of libraries, books, and reading. When donating through ColoradoGives, donors can select “Add a dedication” → “In memory of” and choose to send an email notification to the addressee (Parish Merrill). https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/JeffCoLibrary