Virginia Fleming Merrill; Nurse, Reporter

Virginia Fleming Merrill, a former registered nurse and newspaper reporter, died at her home in Ventura on Friday. She was 76.

She was born Nov. 26, 1923, in Bryn Mawr, Pa. She had been a Ventura County resident for the past 40 years.

During World War II, she was a registered nurse in several Army hospitals throughout the country. Later she worked at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara.

She left nursing to become a newspaper columnist and reporter for the Goleta Gazette and then worked for the Star Free Press in Ventura and the Press Courier in Oxnard.

In 1973, she opened Needle Point Design Studio on Main Street in Ventura and was well known in the community for her designs and sculptures. She designed the pattern on the padded kneelers at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Ventura, where she was an active member for many years.

Over the years, Merrill volunteered at the Buenaventura Art Assn., the American Cancer Society and the League of Women Voters. She also volunteered at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Dr. Carl B. Merrill of Ventura; son Harlon DeArmon of Ventura; stepson Charles E. Merrill of Manteca; stepdaughter Jeannie Thompson of Van Nuys and five grandchildren.

Memorial services are scheduled at 2 p.m. Thursday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with the Rev. Jerome Kahler officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3737 Telegraph Road, Suite D, Ventura, CA 93003.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura.