Ruth A. (Cowhig) Merritt, of Saugus, died April 5, 2017 at the age of 81. She was born in Everett, MA on June 24, 1935 to William & Florence (Sweeney) Cowhig. She was raised in Revere and graduated from Revere High School. Ruth married Jay Merritt in 1958 at Immaculate Conception Church, Revere and raised their family in Saugus. Ruth was a retiree of Verizon and active in the Melrose Garden Club. In her retirement she devoted herself to her grandchildren and her great granddaughters. She was the beloved wife of Jay Merritt of Saugus. Loving & devoted mother of Michael Merritt of Grafton, NH, and Krista Merritt & her husband Pete Kouis of Gaithersburg, MD. Proud grandmother of Christopher & Patrick, and great-grandmother of Angelina & Sophia. Caring sister of William Cowhig & his wife Eileen of Topsfield. Also survived by several nephews and a niece. Visiting Hours will be held on Mon., April 10, 2017 from 4-7 PM at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home on Tues., April 11, 2017 at 9 AM, followed by a 10 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret's Church, 431 Lincoln Ave., Saugus. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Home for Little Wanderers, 11 Ward St., #200, Somerville, MA 02143.