Merritt, Mary Ruth Blanton, age 87, of Strawberry Plains, went home to the LORD at 6:50 PM Tuesday December 11th with her family gathered around her. She was a member of Thorn Grove Baptist Church and for five years a resident of River Oaks Assisted Living and Brakebill Nursing Home. Mary Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband Rev. Buford H. Blanton, Sr. and by Clarence Merritt. Her parents were Walter and Eliza Manes. She is survived by her children: Buford Blanton, Jr. and Barbara, Robert Blanton and Vivian, Brenda Blanton Folz and David, Shelia Blanton Rozema and Rick, Gary Blanton and Pamala, and Diane Blanton. Her grandchildren are: Judd Anderson, Annamarie Couch, Nicholas Graham and Tyler Merriman. The family will receive friends on Friday at Thorn Grove Baptist Church from 5-7 PM with a Celebration of Life to follow at 7:00 PM with Rev. Tim Tatum presiding. Family and friends will meet at 11:00 AM on Saturday at Thorn Grove Cemetery for the interment service. Condolences may be offered at www.mccartyevergreen.com