Sharon Louise Merritt Griffith

Sharon Louise Merritt Griffith, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on December 25, 1940, in Twin Falls, Idaho, the daughter of the late Horace Lee Turner and Beulah Marie Eslinger Mangini. Sharon was known for her many passions, love for adventure, and of course her love for her family.

She leaves behind her loving husband, David Griffith, whom she married in 2014, and her devoted children: Loni Olson Ellis (Mark), Camille Olson Jones (Mark), and Laurie Olson Harvey (Gary). She is also survived by David’s children: Arline Nash (Sid), Deanna Washington (Curtis), Lora Hendrickson (Cliff) and Lia Griffith. Children from her second husband are: Mark Merritt (Karen), Lonnie Merritt (Kathy), Mary Lou Merritt, George Merritt (Beckie), Kay Merritt, and Wendy Merritt (Ramon). Sharon is also survived by her siblings: Venita Philbrick, Bill Turner, Rick Turner, and Greg Turner. She was blessed with 38 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren as well as many adored nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Jimmy Olson (1959 – 1975), her second husband, Lester Merritt (1976 – 2013), grandsons Timothy Wayne Merritt and Benjamin Ryan Nash.

Sharon’s legacy is defined by her work ethic, tenacity, and willingness to face life’s challenges head-on. Starting at a young age, Sharon and her siblings learned the value of hard work while growing up on a working farm. Her Grandma Eslinger said “When there is work to be done, everybody works, and when the work is done, everybody plays!” She also found time to become a wonderful dancer and pianist, passions from a very young age. She was greatly involved in 4H, Girl Scouts, and community events such as cherry pie contests (which she frequently won). Sharon was even runner-up in the Miss Twin Falls Contest! Later, she was the president of the Lady Elks.

She had many jobs such as working as a legal secretary in a Boise law firm, she sold real estate and even earned her broker’s license. This led to the purchase of Merritt’s Country Café famously known as “The Home of the Scones!” Combining work and play, Shar and Les experienced great joy while training and running racehorses at Les Bois Park. This led to many racing adventures spanning from California to Iowa.

Besides her love of horses, she also was a competitive bowler. When the bowling ball became too heavy, she traded it in for a pool cue stick. She was a fierce competitor – a real pool shark! She challenged herself and became a blackjack and poker dealer, a rarity as a woman. She could spend hours in a casino and usually came out as a winner! Shar was a gifted oil painter creating an array of portraits and landscapes. Many members of the family and friends have her work displayed in their homes. David and Sharon shared a great connection with their creative talents!

Family and friends were very important to Sharon. Family gatherings were always her favorite enjoying Easter picnics, family reunions, and camping and fishing trips. Pretty much any gathering brought her happiness – the more the merrier! Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. With 38 grandchildren, she was kept very busy and she loved it!

Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories! These memories will forever live in the hearts of those who loved her!

A special thank you to those who cared for her at St. Alphonsus, Boise. Much appreciation goes out to Dr. Hofstra, Matt (Charge Nurse), Brooklyn, Shea, and Eva (Nurses), and Brian and Monique (Nursing Assistants). We are grateful for your care and compassion.

Service pending.