West Central Texas Cremation

06/05/2026

Pets stand by us through thick and thin as companions, and when they age, it can be hard to accept that they will eventually die. The article below explores different practices you can use to prepare for your pet's eventual passing.

If your pet's health is declining, consider how you can improve their final days. Discover how you can prepare yourself in this article.

06/02/2026

Linda Louise Merritt

Loving wife, mother and educator, Linda Merritt, 80, of Abilene, Texas (formerly of Gooding, Idaho), passed away May 6, 2026, in Abilene, Texas.

Linda was born May 24, 1945, in Gooding, Idaho, to Frank and Alma Graves (née Miller). She attended school in Bliss, Idaho, and graduated from Bliss High School in 1963. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Idaho in 1968.

On August 13, 1968, Linda married Clell Merritt in Wendell, Idaho. The couple raised three children: Rhonda, Jennifer, and Randall. Linda loved her family fiercely and was a devoted and nurturing mother and wife.

Linda began her teaching career in 1968 as a music teacher in Gooding, Idaho. She later earned an Elementary Teaching Certificate from Idaho State University and taught third and fifth grade for many years in the Wendell School District, retiring in 2005. During her career, she formed lifelong friendships with colleagues, with special thanks to Beverly Whitaker Bifano and the late Carol Rae Goeckner, whose friendships she treasured.

Linda enjoyed spending time with friends and family and played a mean game of Gin Rummy. She truly loved music, and could be frequently found playing the piano, guitar or banjo. A lifelong teacher at heart, Linda continued to care for and teach others post-retirement (especially her grandchildren) and was steadfast in providing support - whether that was help with homework, a place to stay, a hug, words of encouragement or stern words of advice. She treasured each grandchild’s unique gifts, encouraged them to make wise choices, and inspired them to love learning and music.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Alma Graves. Linda is survived by her husband of nearly 58 years, Clell Merritt of Abilene, TX (formerly of Gooding, ID); her daughters Rhonda (Michael) Fitzgerald of Belle Isle, FL., and Jennifer Merritt of Abilene, TX; her son Randall Merritt of Twin Falls, ID; and her grandchildren: McKenley, Mary Elizabeth (Lizzy), Ian, Jett, Jaise, and Jess. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she adored.

Linda was deeply loved by her family and will be missed beyond what words can express. A Celebration of Life will be announced when arrangements are finalized.

View Linda Louise Merritt's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/01/2026

05/29/2026

In life, we prepare for so many things, but despite all our best efforts, the unexpected happens, including death away from home. The question is, is your family prepared? To learn more about what to do when the unexpected occurs away from home, give this blog a quick read!

When death occurs suddenly, you may not know what to do. This article has steps you can follow in case death occurs out of town.

05/26/2026

When you select cremation, there are a lot more options than you might think!

That’s why we are here to answer your questions about urns, memorialization, the cremation process, and much more. With the information you gain, you can confidently make the best decisions for you and your family.

To learn more, give us a call at 325-260-6099!

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we thank the countless men and women who have fought and died to preserve our freedom, our country, and our way of life. You have our sincere gratitude. If you would like to honor a specific veteran, please share their story with us in the comments.

05/23/2026

Congratulations, 2026 Graduates! Your hard work has paid off, and we wish you a bright future!

05/22/2026

While there are many national cemeteries across the country you can visit to remember our honored dead this Memorial Day, perhaps the most famous is Arlington National Cemetery. Despite its unusual history, the cemetery has come to be known as a place of reverence, respect, and remembrance. A place where men and women are honored and remembered for generations. If you’d like to learn more about this hallowed ground, including the Eternal Flame, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and more, click the link!

As we remember our fallen soldiers this Memorial Day, consider looking into the history of Arlington National Cemetery and how it came to be.

05/17/2026

If you could only have one baked good for the rest of your life, what would it be? Happy Baking Day!