Ricci Linn (Mellison) Merrick Obituary

Ricci Linn Merrick (61) of Santa Clarita, California passed away on April 27th, 2020. She passed peacefully in her sleep at the home she shared with her husband and soul mate, Mike Merrick.

Ricci was born to the late Robert and Joyce Mellison on February 7th, 1959 in San Diego, California. She graduated from Avalon High School on Catalina Island in 1977. Ricci and her husband Mike began dating in 1979 and were married in 1980 at First Methodist church in Burbank, California. Together they were blessed with three children: Michael Merrick Jr., Carri Hamilton and Cameron Merrick. She is survived by her husband Mike, her brother Randy, three children and five grandchildren.

Ricci absolutely loved the beach and was always drawn to the water. She lived in many California beach cities over the course of her life, including Catalina Island, which always held a special place in her heart. Many of her fondest memories were created while living there as a teenager. Shortly after high-school she met Mike, the love of her life, and the two were happily married for 40 years. Her greatest accomplishments were her three kids, whom she loved and adored with all her heart. She was the most wonderful mother a child could have and her family was her entire world.

She loved the outdoors and some of her favorite activities included camping, water-skiing at the lake and simply being outside in general. She was always hosting sleepovers and pool parties for her kids and their friends. She was also, the quintessential “Hockey Mom.” Many of her children’s friends even referred to her as their “second mom.” She was forever willing to help in a time of need and was the best at just being there to listen. She had a truly loving soul that deeply cared for others, a wonderful, outgoing personality and always enjoyed being the life of the party.

The last six years of her life were dedicated to her five adorable grandchildren, showering them with constant love and spoiling them at every chance. They were her greatest joy in life and being their “Gramma” was her favorite role. Cooper, Palmer, Michael III, Walker and Murphy will forever be reminded of the amazing woman they had for a grandmother, her legacy permanently imprinted in the hearts of those who knew her.

We love you forever, our beautiful mother.

We will be holding a celebration of life for Ricci at a later date, as soon as we can have large group gatherings again. In the meantime, if you could so kindly share your favorite memories and pictures of Ricci below, we would all love that.