Hutchens, Merita Ryan

Ruby Merita Hutchens (nee. Ryan) passed away surrounded by family on February 21, 2023. She was 91 years old. She was the loving wife of Elmer Hutchens for 63 years.

She is survived by her husband Elmer Hutchens, her two sons, Wade Hutchens and Brad Hutchens (wife Sherri), three grandsons Hunter, Ryan and Spencer Hutchens. She was preceded in death by her parents Eldridge and Elsie Ryan, her brother Eldridge (Sonny) Ryan, and her sister June Bell.

Merita graduated from Pulaski County High School in 1948 and lived in Pulaski County her whole life. She was active on the planning committee for the Class of 1948 Class Reunions. She worked at the Jefferson Mill for many years and then dedicated herself to her family. Later, she worked in the cafeteria at the Pulaski County High School and considered everyone she served as her kids. She loved to feed people both in and outside of the school. Her cakes and other treats were a highlight of every gathering.

Merita never met a stranger and would speak to and befriend everyone. She was an active member of the Brookmont Presbyterian church until it closed and then attended First Presbyterian Church in Pulaski, VA.

A visitation will be held at Norris-Stevens Funeral home in Pulaski, VA from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Sunday, February 26th, 2023. A private funeral is to be held at Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin, VA.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be provided in Merita’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/)