Elwood Laddie Merritt, age 92 passed away Wednesday January 7, 2026 at the WVU/Weirton Medical Center.

Laddie was born November 25, 1933, the son of the late Frank James and Evelyn Margaret (Thompson) Merritt.

He was a member of the Wintersville Community Chapel and Bell Chapel. Laddie retired as a mechanic and serviceman from Sears.

In addition to his parents, Laddie was preceded in death by his wife, Lila Louise (Miller) Merritt in 2010; son, Ladd Eric Merritt in 2016; infants Robin and Scotty Merritt; sisters, Wilma Merrill , Nancy Merritt and Nora Bosela; brothers, Richard W. Merritt and Paul Frederick Merritt; and son-in-law Bob Jackson.

Laddie's surviving family includes: Sons, Todd Merritt and wife Penny and Bruce Merritt; daughters, Vickie Scott, Shelli Jackson, Rhonda Howell and husband Bob, Helayna Merritt and Stacey Strawn; daughter-in-law, Cathy Merritt; 33 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren and brother-in-law John Bosela.

Family and friends will be received at the Clarke Funeral Home, Toronto for visitation from 4 to 7 PM Tuesday January 13th and visitation from 10 to 11 AM Wednesday January 14th. A celebration of Laddie's life service will follow at 11 AM with Pastor Mike Mantos officiating. Interment will follow at the Center Chapel Cemetery.