Rose Zeta Merica
Rose Zeta “Judy” (Spriggs) Merica, age 87, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2024, under the Care of Blue Ridge Hospice.
She was a 1955 graduate of Berkeley Springs High School where her favorite subject was Home Economics. Judy was a member of the Delectable Mountains Quilt Guild and the Reynolds Store Quilting Group whom she called her angels. She loved to join in with the Knit Wits when her health allowed. She was a member of the Alderton-Dawson American Legion Auxiliary Unit 60. Judy enjoyed being a “white glove” at quilting shows and teaching new quilters.
She was a lifelong member of the Great Cacapon United Methodist Church where she was treasurer for several years as well as a member of the United Women in Faith, formerly United Methodist Women. In later years she attended Berkeley Baptist Church where she was welcomed by a circle of loving, supporting people.
She and her husband co-owned Merica’s Grocery Store and Gasoline Station in Great Cacapon.
Upon moving to Lancaster, Pa. Judy worked for Tyson Foods and Weis Markets.
Judy’s talents were many. She was an accomplished seamstress and hand quilter, phenomenal cook and homemaker, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, aunt and niece. She was an exemplary caretaker for her aging family members. She enjoyed road trips with her husband and travelling on business with her daughter. Judy loved her friends and cherished each.
Judy was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and husband of 40 years, Kenneth Edward “Kenny” Merica, parents Beverly Theodore Spriggs and Jarahnia Magdeline (Hivick) Spriggs, two beloved brothers Raymond Vincent “Bumper” Spriggs and Paul Theodore Spriggs and a beloved son-in-law Ralph Eugene “Fritz” Eckenroth.
She is survived by daughter Dee (Eric) and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and one great-great niece.
Per Judy’s request for simplicity, the family received friends on Monday, July 15, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. at the Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home in Berkeley Springs. Graveside services were conducted at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at Mount Nebo Cemetery, 791 Nebo Road, Great Cacapon, W.Va, with the Reverend Karen Adams officiating. A Celebration of Life Service will be planned for October.
The family expresses our gratitude to the committed medical staff at Shenandoah Oncology, the Winchester Medical Center and Blue Ridge Hospice.
If desired, friends can consider making a memorial contribution, volunteering time, or donating a quilt to Blue Ridge Hospice for future patients at 333 W. Cork St. #405, Winchester, VA 22601.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.
