SHIRLEY JEAN KNOTTS MERRIOTT

Shirley Jean Knotts Merriott, 81, of North Kansas City, Mo., and formerly of Fort Scott, died at the North Care Hospice House in the North Kansas City Hospital, North Kansas City, Mo.

She was born Dec. 11, 1929, in Fort Scott, Kan., the daughter of James Perry and Laveta (Strode) Knotts.

Shirley is survived by three daughters, Carol J. Swezey of Oldsmar, Fla., Dona Jean Williamson of Hudson, Fla., and Lisa Anne Brush of Bartlett, Tenn.; three sons, Riley Russell "Russ" Merriott of Bossier City, La., William Perry "Mike" Merriott of Hudson, Fla., and Martin D. Wells of Kansas City, Kan.; 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and twins on the way.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Gene Merriott Nov. 15, 1969; a daughter, Tony J. Merriott in 1948; a sister, Ginger Moore; and two grandchildren, Alex Morales and Bill Swezey.

Russ Merriott will conduct graveside services 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. Services are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kan., 66701. Online condolences may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.