Ronda Leigh Merritt

Ronda Leigh Merritt
of Des Moines, Iowa

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ronda Merritt, who passed away on November 26, 2024, at the age of 66, leaving to mourn her family and friends. Ronda was born on December 16, 1957, in Des Moines, Iowa.

With Ronda, it was never a handshake, always a hug. Family was always first for her, and she loved her grandkids bunches, always stopping whatever she was doing just for them. She was incredibly proud of each and every one of them.

Ronda was an avid NASCAR fan and passionate about flat track motorcycle racing, she recently embraced the San Francisco 49ers, inspired by Brock Purdy, as she was a proud Iowa State fan. Ronda was someone who enjoyed the great outdoors, especially camping, fishing, and boating. She had a deep love for music, often going to concerts and would even play music for her cats when she wasn’t home. Ronda loved watching the show Yellowstone and her favorite color was Honda red. Known affectionately by her son as the ‘crazy cat lady,’ she brought joy and warmth to everyone around her.

Ronda was a beautiful person inside and out, who never met a stranger and lit up every room she entered. Her super supportive nature and endless generosity touched the lives of so many. She was always giving and never expected anything in return, consistently putting others before herself. Her kindness and selflessness will forever be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Words cannot adequately express the intensity of loss felt by her family who love her so deeply.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband Richard Merritt, daughter Jennifer (Jeffrey Glaspie) Jacobe and her children Bryce and Evan Dix, son Justin (Jaisa) Jacobe and their children Jayla and Jaxson Jacobe, brother Rick (Bev) Fiscel and their daughter Courtney Fiscel, sister-in-law Teri Fiscel and her son Jason (Ali) and Dom Fiscel, son Michael (Charlotte) Merritt and their children Claudia “CJ” and Murphy, grandkids Makayla, and Donovan, as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Ronda was preceded in death by her parents Ronald and Joyce (Gallagher) Fiscel, brother Randy Fiscel, grandson Blake Dix, granddaughter Harlie Heaviland.

Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2024 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League or Compassionate Friends in memory of Ronda.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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