Emily Rose Merito

Emily Rose Merito, an Irving resident since 1999, passed away at home, surrounded by her loving family and into God’s loving embrace on January 18, 2022, at age 39.  She leaves behind her daughters, Mikayla and Julia Rodriguez. Emily bravely and tirelessly battled cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer, for over two years.

A proud and lifelong Texan and patriot, Emily was born in Fort Worth, Texas to parents John and Patti Merito. She attended North Mesquite High School, joined the Junior ROTC program, and later attended International Beauty College. At the time of her passing, she was employed at Methodist Medical Center in Dallas.

Emily enjoyed traveling and spending time with her daughters, whom she considered her greatest achievement. She was a proud, supportive, and devoted mother and lived for her daughters, supporting their endeavors in softball, cheerleading, and theater. A talented and creative crafter, she especially loved making distinctive homecoming mums and one-of-a-kind signs for her girls’ cheerleading competitions. 

A precise and skilled marksman and gun enthusiast, a passion she shared with her dad, she used her considerable firearms knowledge and natural ability to instruct others on shooting technique, and the proper use and safety of firearms. She dreamed of one day opening her own shooting range. She loved music, especially the greats, including Pink Floyd, Queen, The Eagles, Janis Joplin, Tom Petty, and Fleetwood Mac, and she worked to give her daughters the same appreciation. She loved to fish, especially in Rockport, her adopted hometown.  An avid baseball fan, her heart belonged to the Texas Rangers.  Emily had a loving and compassionate heart for family, friends, and animals, especially her beloved cat, Fred. She had an adventurous spirit and an irresistible sense of humor that will be deeply missed.

Emily found her church home at Grace Pointe Church and was born again in Christ Jesus.  She committed her faith through her baptism on November 10, 2019.  If she could, Emily would tell you to look around you and thank God.

Emily is survived by her parents and two daughters, as well as sister, Lynne Franklin; grandfather, James Branum; grandmother, Rebecca Uribe; uncle, Pedro Davila; aunt and uncle, Gloria and Mario Rosales; uncle, Mike Branum; niece and nephew, Madison and Ryan; and numerous cousins.  She is preceded in death by her brother, Jason Merito; grandmother, Sarah Eslick Branum; grandfather, Rafael Merito; uncle, Ralph Merito, Jr.; aunt, Delores Davila; maternal great-grandparents, Mae and James Madison Branum; Mary Dow and Ed Eslick; and paternal great-grandparents, Margarita and Pedro Merito.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 25, at 3:00 pm at Grace Pointe Church, 208 S. Story Road, Irving, TX 75060. 

The family would especially like to thank the family and friends who supported and fought alongside us in this journey.  Your kindness and generosity have been humbling and are deeply appreciated.