Cambridge - On Monday, March 3, 2025, Barbara Merriman (cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and devoted Christian) closed her eyes here and opened them in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Barbara was born on March 6, 1932 in Cambridge, NY, the firstborn child of the late William Peter Dornan and Ruth Anita Hungerford. She was the oldest of 13 children.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband, John Merriman; her youngest son, Timothy Merriman; her parents; and seven brothers and sisters including Pat Sargent, Beverly Graham, Claudette Leach, Deanna Herrod, Douglas Dornan, Rick Herring and Mark Herring.
Barbara graduated from Cambridge Central School in 1950, and afterwards, she completed a nursing program at Mary McClellan Hospital as a nurse’s aide. Barbara married her high-school sweetheart, John Merriman, on February 16, 1951, and they were married for 64 years. Together, they raised their family in Cambridge, NY; and they were the founders and co-owners of their local business, B & J Lumber Company, Inc., for 50 years.
From the time Barbara was a little girl, she loved to dance; and for most of their married life, she and John loved going out to dinner once a week and dance whenever they had the opportunity. Barbara continued dancing every day up until she was 92 years old. She also walked for exercise for many years, and she met and made friends with many people along the way. Many people loved her joyful spirit and warm smile.
Barbara’s family meant the world to her, and she loved spending quality time with each and every one of them. Her home was filled with love and joy on holidays, and she had a passion for giving gifts. She was well known for having her home decorated with many lights at Christmas. Each family member held a special place in her heart. She loved to cook, bake, and entertain; and over the years, many people were blessed to enjoy her home-cooked meals and baked goods.
Barbara was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Cambridge, NY for most of her life. She loved sending cards to people and continued that ministry in her church as well. She loved to pray for people and coordinated the prayer chain for her church.
Barbara is survived by her children: Steve Merriman (Riza Coon) of Cambridge, NY; Michael Merriman (Julia) of Buskirk, NY and Okeechobee, FL; Daniel Merriman (Amanda Murphy) of Cambridge, NY; and Cheryl Merriman of Cambridge, NY, and her former daughter-in-laws, Elaine Merriman of Cambridge and Pamela Bolton of Granville.  She leaves behind ten grandchildren, Jason Merriman, Lindsay Merriman (Dillon Honyoust), Ashley Welch (Jeff), Stephen Merriman (Rachael Fedler), Alex Merriman, Angelina Merriman (Jason Watkins), Brandon Merriman (Ashley), Stephenie VerKamp (James), Melissa Baker (Bradley), Samuel Merriman (Jenise), and nine great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind five sisters and brothers: Joyce Wilbourn, Newton, MA; Terry Thiboult (Gene), Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Ronald Brown (Cheryl), Flushing, MI; Bonnie Brown, Mt. Morris, MI; and Greg Brown (Pat), Flint, MI.
Barbara will be dearly missed by her many family members and friends!
The family would like to thank Karen Osgood, Polly Wargo, and Mary Beth Kelly for the wonderful care they gave Barbara. Their love and compassion is greatly appreciated.

Calling hours are Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 5-6:30 pm at the Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home, 73 West Main St., Cambridge.

Funeral services will be Monday, March 10, 2025 at 12pm at the Cambridge United Presbyterian Church, 81 East Main St., Cambridge.
The family requests that donations in honor of Barbara’s life be made to the Cambridge United Presbyterian Church, 81 East Main Street, Cambridge, NY 12816.

To share a memory of Barbara, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com