Merrilea Ellen Greenawalt, 80, of Thurmont, Maryland, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025.

Merrilea was born on May 22nd 1944 to Doris May Kimball in Beverly, Massachusetts.  After Merrilea graduated from Oxen Hill High School, in Maryland she studied at Ohio State University, transferring to the University of Maryland to complete her degree.

After graduating with a degree in Physical Therapy, Merrilea had a fulfilling career as a home health physical therapist, and homemaker.

Merrilea married her high school sweetheart, Donald Dean Greenawalt, Jr. of Fort Washington, Maryland, and together she and Don raised 3 daughters, Tami Joy Razvi, of Thurmont Maryland, Karen Renee Anderes of Queen Anne, Maryland, and Lisa Michelle Blake of Columbia, Pennsylvania.

Known as 'Mighty' in college for her small stature, but strength and spunk, Merrilea tirelessly served not only her patients, but her family, and church family with joy.  She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who relished spending time with her family and was an accomplished seamstress, an avid reader, and enjoyed going on adventures. Merrilea was well known for her hospitality and gentleness.  Most importantly she loved Jesus.  She will be deeply missed.

Merrilea was predeceased by her mother Doris Brett, her father, Carlton Brett, her husband Donald Greenawalt, her sister Barbara Gamblin, and great-granddaughter, Ava Dirksen.  Merrilea is survived by her three daughters, Tami Razvi, Karen Anderes, and Lisa Blake, sons-in-law, eighteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held 2/16/25 at 2:30pm at 14821 Mud College Rd, Thurmont, MD.

The Memorial Service details held in honor of Merrilea Ellen Greenawalt are; Sunday, February 16, 2025 14821 Mud College Rd., Thurmont, MD 21788 2:00 pm – open house 2:30 pm – memorial service Dinner to follow

The family welcomes you to join us in celebrating the life of Merrilea, or if unable to attend, to send any special memories that you might like to share with the family to the address above or to tjrazvi@msn.com.

For those who wish to give a charitable donation in Merrilea's name, the family suggests Whirlwind Wheelchair which provides RoughRider Wheelchairs to people in areas of the world which have rugged terrain in their everyday life.  (people who are homebound because they are unable to use a wheelchair that requires smooth floors or walkways).   This is the same off road wheelchair that Merrilea used.   She loved being able to still go off road and participate in all the things her family was doing.    And as a physical therapist, Merrilea was always determined that her patients get equipment that genuinely met their needs and lifestyles.  We believe that a charitable gift to this organization would honor the memory of Merrilea's life.

https://www.whirlwindwheelchair.org/donate/

Merrilea's care has been entrusted to Black's Funeral Home of Sabillasville, Maryland.