AUBURN — Sharon Ruth Ann Merrill, 73,  of Dumont Avenue, Lewiston, passed away Friday morning, July 1, at The Hospice House with family at her side.

She was born in Rockland on July 11, 1937, one of three children of Walter and Vivian (Whittier) Kimball. Sharon was educated in Rockland schools and graduated from Rockland High School in 1955.

On Aug. 14 1982, she was married to Richard “Jake” Merrill at the Woolrich Baptist Church in Wiscassett.

Mrs. Merrill first worked in retail department stores in Lewiston for a number of years, then spent many years as a local waitress, including several years at the Steerhouse Restaurant. She then worked 15 years in the office at Heutz Oil until her retirement. In her retirement, she worked part-time at Burger King.

Among Sharon’s favorite enjoyments were reading, knitting and crocheting, but most of all she enjoyed the simple pleasures of just being with her family and friends and the company of her cats.

She was a loving devoted and hardworking wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed.

She leaves her husband of 28 years, Jake Merrill, of Lewiston; her children, Julie Guerin of Auburn, Bob Ouellette and wife, Mary, of Lewiston, Andrea Ouellette of Portland, Tesa Aube and husband, Don, of Hebron, Bambi Brousseau and husband, Ken, of Lewiston, and Steve Ouellette and wife, Cathy, of Livermore;  11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a brother, Gary Kimball and wife,  Jacquie, of Delaware.

Sharon was predeceased by a grandson, J.J.; a great-granddaughter, Haley; a brother, Brian; her parents, Vivian and Walter; and her former ex-husband, Bob Ouellette.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. David Abisalih and wife Marie, Dr. Darlene Miller and all doctors, staff and caregivers at The Hospice House and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center for their care, support and compassion shown to Sharon and her family during her illness.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with Sharon’s family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.