Paula Rita (Johnston) Merriman

Paula Rita Johnston Merriman, 76, of Somerville, NJ passed away Thursday, March 8, 2018 in RWJ of Somerville from complications of the heart.

She was born January 18, 1942 in Meadville, a daughter of Fred and Hazel Record Johnston.  She married John Merriman June 15, 1963 in Conneaut Lake.

Paula was a graduate of McNeese University, Lake Charles, LA where she received her B.A. in art.  Paula and John moved to Welsh, LA where they pastored a church for 13 years.  Paula loved to paint, word puzzles, and her pug Toby but her greatest love was to sing.

Survivors, in addition to her loving husband John, include six children, Kevin (Kathy), Brian (Vanessa), Denise (Steve), Melinda, Stefanie (Bill), and Tracy; thirteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her pug Toby.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Ray and two sisters, Joy and Wanita.

A funeral service will be Tuesday, March 13th at 1:30 p.m. at WAID-COLEMAN FUNERAL HOME, 12422 CONNEAUT LAKE RD., CONNEAUT LAKE with the Rev. Calvin Enlow officiating.

A graveside committal service and interment will be in Rocky Glen Cemetery.

In lieu of cards and flowers, memorials may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America at https://vva.org/donate.  Special thanks to the New Destiny Family Worship Center, RWJH of Somerville staff, Waid-Coleman Funeral Home, and family and friends for all the help and kind words of encouragement and gifts.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidcolemanfh.com.