Obituary of Barbara C. Merritt

Mrs. Barbara C. Merritt, 101 years old, formerly of Sprakers, died Sunday at Montgomery Meadows where she had been a patient for several years. Mrs. Merritt was born April 7 1904 in the town of Bleecker, the daughter of Charles and Katherine Bleyl Gutha and was a life long area resident. She was actively involved with the running of the Gutha Farm until 1970. Mrs. Merritt was a member of the Currytown Reformed Church. She loved horses and animals of all kinds. Barbara enjoyed her garden and was a yearly exhibitor at the Montgomery Co. Fair in Fonda, winning countless blue ribbons and trophies. She raced her horses at many tracks from Saratoga to Cuba. In the late 1930?s she was a member of an accordion ensemble along with 15 to 20 other women. During the 1940?s Barbara was Secretary-Treasurer of Dairyman?s League Coop. Mrs. Merritt was predeceased by her three husbands; William B. Bittner, Walter E. Kennedy and Joseph Merritt. She is survived by 2 nephews, The Rev. Ernest L Gutha of Carter Lake, Iowa, Donald H. Argersinger of Amsterdam, N.Y., and several other nieces and nephews. Mrs. Merritt was also predeceased by 2 brothers Edward W. and Ralph L. Gutha.Funeral services will be held 1:00pm Wednesday at Jackson & Betz Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Fultonville, N.Y., with her nephew, The Rev. Ernest L. Gutha officiating. Burial is in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gloversville. The family will receive relatives and friends from 12 noon until 1:00pm on Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made: Montgomery Meadows Residential Health Care Facility, Sandy Drive, Amsterdam, NY 12010.