BAILEYVILLE - Sandra A. Merritt, 56, died Dec. 20, 2012 after a long 8 year battle with lung cancer. She was born Dec. 17, 1956 in Calais, daughter of Ellis McArthur & Charlotte Strout. She graduated from Woodland High School and went to work as a caregiver for over 30 years at Barnard's Nursing Home, until she was no longer able to work and care for others. Sandra was married for over 32 years to her loving caregiver Tommy Merritt, with whom she enjoyed watching Everybody Loves Raymond and "their" favorite soap opera The Guiding Light. Sandra enjoyed many events with her boys Bobby, Tom & grandson Dawson. She is survived by her husband Tommy Merritt; sons Robert Barter and Tom Merritt, all of Baileyville; grandson Dawson, of Brookton; father Ellis and step mother Ruby of Dixmont; seven sisters and five brothers, Esther, husband Mike Kolonski and Ricky McArthur, all of Wisconsin, Laura Lee Ripley, partner Mark, Michelle, husband Barry Page and Brad Kneeland, all of Iowa, Christine & husband John Fullerton of Texas, Jill & husband Teddy Fullerton of China, Jamie McArthur & wife Jen of Etna, Diane & husband Alan Kneeland of Baileyville, Wayne Sowers & partner Billie of Baring, Skippy Sowers & wife Norma of Dixmont and Peggy & husband Mike Avery of Milford; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bobby of NH, Marian of Millinocket, Joanne, Connie, Marilyn, Roger, Doug and Judy, all of Houlton, several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by her mother; brother Allard McArthur; special nephew Jason Martin; grandparents "Nana" Helen and Hazen Strout, Allard and "Grammy" Olive (Bailey) McArthur and two brothers-in-law Millard & Dicky Merritt. (Mays Funeral Home and Bangor Daily News 5/30/2013)