FAYETTEVILLE — Diane A. Merritt,

79, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed peacefully into heaven’s embrace on March 25, 2024. She was born September 18, 1944, in Elmhurst, III., the daughter of Cecil and Gene (Folta) Dickerman. She was previously married to T. David Merritt, of Hot Springs, Ark.

Diane’s family moved to Eureka Springs when she was about two years old. The family bought Onyx Cave and ran it as a tourist attraction for 20+ years. Diane was Miss Eureka Springs of Carroll County Fair September 1961, graduated Valedictorian of Eureka Springs High School, class of 1962, and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, with honors, with a B.S.B.A. in 1966. Her vocation as a COBOL programmer began with a class in 1967, and work in Kansas City, before moving back to Arkansas, and settling in Little Rock. She became the second female hired to work as a COBAL programmer for the State of Arkansas, then Blue Cross Blue Shield, and finally at Systematics, where she designed their first ATM system. Her work took her to 27 different countries over the last ten years of her career. In retirement, she cared for her grandchildren, was active in the Episcopal Order Daughters of the King at St. Peter’s, Conway; St. Michael’s, Little Rock; and St. Paul’s, Fayetteville. Her favorite “dinner and a movie” companion and dear friend, Scott Carson, and long-time best friend, Liz Gilmore, will always be cherished by Diane’s children as extended family. Survivors include her children, Rev. Kim A. Merritt-Hobby (Brent), of South Pittsburg, Tenn., Thomas E. Merritt (Lesley), of Fayetteville, Ark.; and grandchildren, Aubrey & Sarah Hobby, Kayln & Brett Helms.

Celebration of Life and Interment at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will be Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m., with reception to follow. Celebrant: Rev. Evan Garner, Rector; Preacher: Rev. Sara Milford, of St. Paul’s Episcopal, Fayetteville, Ark. The family requests that memorials in her name go to The Order of the Daughters of the King at St. Peter’s, Conway, Ark.; St. Michael’s, Little Rock, Ark.; or St. Paul’s, Fayetteville, Ark. Memorial Funeral Home of Springdale, Ark. handled the cremation arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family at: memfuneral.com.