Of Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Merrill found peace on August 16, 2024, age 81. Daughter of the late Emanuel and Bettye Baum. Loving sister of Barry Baum. Beloved mother of Barbra Maggos (George) and Raven Blackwood (Julia). Grandmother of Nicholas Maggos, Kayla Roberts (Brandon), Sonja Hand-Blackwood, Lindsey McKeown, Lauren McKeown and Sofia Rademacher. Great grandmother of Nolan Maggos. Merrill will be fondly remembered as Grandma Merrill/Bubbie. Merrill was born September 2, 1942 in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois and raised her family there. She also lived in Houston, Texas. In 2007, Merrill relocated to Wisconsin. She was an avid equestrian, and her friends considered her a horse whisperer.

Employees who worked with her at SIRE, the therapeutic Horsemanship Center in Houston, Texas said, “Merrill was a true individual with an agile and forever creative and curious mind. She clearly cared about SIRE and our riders, offering her time and talents so generously.” 

Merrill was also a published author and wrote many adult fiction and children’s books. She also created birthday books filled with photos for young family members each year. Merrill loved to knit blankets, scarves, mittens and hats. Many of those who had the privilege of knowing her have a blanket or clothing item lovingly made by Merrill. Merrill often sent knitted blankets, hats, mittens and dolls to organizations that support homeless individuals and families.

In her earlier years, Merrill loved to sing, play guitar, hike, camp and scuba dive. Her friends and family will miss her great humor, adventurous spirit and steady thoughtfulness.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a donation in Merrill’s memory are encouraged to do so with SIRE, whose mission is to provide a community where horses help people with disabilities and challenges to live their best life. SIRE serves adults and children with a wide variety of special needs including, but not limited to cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, developmental delay, attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. Identify your donation in the memory of Merrill Baum and mail to: SIRE, P.O. Box 924067 Houston, TX 77292 Or directly on the center’s donation page https://sire-htec.org/donation-page/ (https://sire-htec.org/donation-page/)

A private celebration of life will be held in Merrill’s honor with close friends and family in the near future. Friends and family will be notified.