Anne Claire Duerst Merrill

Anne Claire Duerst Merrill, beloved sister and aunt, passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at her home overlooking Lake Wildwood, in Penn Valley, California. She was surrounded and comforted by many of her siblings as she succumbed to liver cancer. She was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on May 19, 1952, as the fifth of six children to Bob and Claire Duerst. Anne was also one of 35 first cousins. Upon graduation from O’Gorman High School and a short stint at South Dakota State University, she moved to Riverside, California and went to work for the County Welfare Department. There she met the love of her life, Ron Merrill. They married in 1976 and were truly one of the most loving couples anyone would ever meet. While they didn’t have any children, they did have dogs – a succession of them all greatly loved. In fact, Anne kept the ashes of many of them after they passed. Anne and Ron lived in Riverside until he took a Deputy Director position with El Dorado County, and they lived in Placerville. While Ron went on to be selected to head a special taskforce for the State of California, Anne went back to college at Sacramento State University. She earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management. Shortly after that, they relocated back to Riverside. Ron assumed a similar position with Riverside County, while Anne went to work for the County’s Human Resources Department. They both retired from the County. In the early years of their married life, Anne and Ron enjoyed travelling to exotic places like Hawaii and Tahiti. After Ron’s diabetes issues became more pronounced, Anne spent her time working and caring for Ron. He passed at the tender age of 54, leaving Anne a widow. She never remarried. Anne retired within 2 years of his passing and relocated to Lake Wildwood, where she was close to her sisters Sharon and Jeanne. For twenty years, they were the three amigos. They enjoyed the lake and its fabulous view from he home there. She also enjoyed the company of her sisters’ men, Bo and Stefano. She housed and cared for both her mother and mother-in-law for an extended period of time. While a definite homebody after Ron’s death (she averaged less than 2,000/year on her cars for 20 years), she enjoyed having family visit her, including her nieces (including Sandy who was newly discovered a few years ago) and nephews and their children. Anne was considered a sweet lady and was – until you crossed one of her red lines. Then she would show that there was a resolute core to her that wouldn’t be denied. While working, she enjoyed interviewing and persuading sexual intimidators to show their true colors and then aiding in their termination. Another example of her grit and compassion occurred fairly soon after relocating to Lake Wildwood. A developer purchased a mobile home park in a nearby city and proceeded to raise the rent significantly, thereby putting several residents in a financial bind. Anne first paid the amount of the rent increase personally for 11 individuals who were elderly and/or disabled for over a year, and then set up the RON (Respect Our Neighbors) non-profit organization to let others help in the cause and to honor her late husband. Her selfless efforts lead to a lengthy article in the local paper written by its editor. Per her request, knowledge of her cancer was only shared with immediate family until her passing. Likewise, she requested that there not be a funeral service for her. The family does plan to hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Anne Claire Duerst Merrill

May 19, 1952 - July 24, 2024