Our much beloved Hill, age 57, of Miles City, Montana, passed away on October 14, 2018, surrounded by family in the home of her sister, Nita Fetzer. It was heartbreaking to see such a bright light fade and suffer from the throat cancer brought about by smoking. A celebration of life was held in Montana. Her graveside service was recently held in the Wolsey Cemetery near other members of the McBride family.

Merrly was cared for by both of her sisters, children and Nita's partner Joe during her three year struggle with cancer. The family is deeply appreciative that Nita and Joe cared for Merrly in their home the last year and half of her life, which kept Merrly out of assisted living and surrounded by love.

Merrly was born in Denver, Colorado October 8, 1961. She was raised in South Dakota and spent most of her adult life in eastern Montana.

Merrly was such a joy to be around. She was kind, generous and loving. She had a deep personal spirituality that she expressed by being caring and helpful to everyone she met. Her greatest joy was family, especially her children Jimmy, Dea, Opal, Cole and Miah.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Sherma Marie McBride Wood; stepfather, Jack Wood; brother, Mark Anthony Wood; grandparents, Lester and Leafy McBride and Red and Betty Marvel; several great aunts and uncles; great-grandparents; and other relatives.

She is survived by her sisters, Nita Fetzer (Joe Kuchler) and Leafy McBride; her children, James Shaw (Becky), Obiedea Fleming (Richard), Opal Hill, Coleton Hill and Jeremiah Hill; grandchildren, Nathan and Noah Shaw; other relatives; and many friends.