On October 29th 2025, Lula "Christine" Merrick of Portales, born October 18,1935, passed away surrounded by love and family. She was raised from birth in Rogers NM before marrying the love of her life, Guy Kirby Merrick on July 20th, 1951. They spent 2 years in NC while Guy served in the Marines at Camp LeJeune where they started their family before returning to their roots in Causey. With their 2 sons, they moved to Elida in 1960 where they became an established part of the community. She later began work at the local Ford dealership in Portales which led to her and Guy transplanting to Portales and becoming pillars of their community and church. Christine was active in the Altrusa Women's Club for many years and was a Foster Grandparent at a local elementary school where she both gave and received love & laughter from each little heart she touched. She lived her life in steady faith and was never short on her supply of love and grace.

She was preceded in death by her husband Guy Kirby Merrick, her son Robert Steven Merrick, her parents Alvin and Gladys Rogers, 6 sisters, 2 brothers, and countless friends.

She is survived by her son Randy Alvin Merrick and his wife Edith Merrick; her grandchildren Angel Merrick of Portales NM, Steven and Shanna Merrick of Las Cruces NM, Kerry Winters of Shallowater TX, and Randal Merrick of Lubbock TX; great-grandchildren Kearan & Brett, Kenzie & Jacob, Alyssa, Ashleigh, Adalyn, Karissa, Brandon, Brittney, & Amber; great-great grandchildren Atlas, Emery, and Oliver; not to forget many cousins, nieces and nephews, all who will miss her but carry on her stories of her wit, sharp humor, and laughter.

Services for Christine will be held at University Baptist Church with graveside services and a meal to follow; November 29th, 2025, 10:30am. Cremation services are under the direction of House of Angels Funeral Home, Lubbock, Texas.