Blake Ross Merrill

Our hearts ache as we announce the unexpected passing of a man of immense kindness and humor, who always had a smile for everyone.

Blake Ross Merrill passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 44. Blake was born on December 3, 1980, to Ross and Lynda Merrill in Annis, Idaho. He grew up in Parker, Idaho, and graduated from South Fremont High School in 1999.

Blake worked briefly in construction until finding his dream job fighting fires for the U.S. Forest Service. He volunteered for numerous disaster relief efforts, including cleaning up after Hurricane Katrina.

Blake loved hunting, fishing, and anything involving the outdoors. He cherished spending time with family and friends. One of his favorite memories was taking his son Bridger on a Texas hunting and fishing trip. Blake’s greatest accomplishment was being a father to his three children, with his sidekick, Ranger, always by his side. Never far behind, his daughter Brinli loved driving back roads with her dad, and trailing behind Blake’s heels was the youngest joy, his son Braxton Blaze.

His four-legged guardian, Stihl, came into his life during a much-needed time, offering stability and comfort.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; his three children, Brinli Jo, Bridger Blake, and Braxton Blaze; his mother, Lynda Merrill of Parker, ID; sisters, Hayley (Jason) Patterson of Parker, ID; Marci (Nick) Jensen of Burton, ID; his brothers, Whit (Keren) Merrill of Ammon, ID, and Clint (Megan) Merrill of Idaho Falls, ID. He is preceded in death by his father, Ross Merrill, and his service dog, Stihl.

A gathering for family and friends will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at the Menan Fire Station, 654 North 3535 E, Menan Lorenzo Hwy, Menan, ID 83434.