Merita Jean Carpenter

Merita Jean Carpenter, 67, of North Manchester, Indiana, died at 4:53 pm, Monday, June 23, 2025, at her home. She was born on July 19, 1957, in Harlan, Kentucky, to Ronald and Opal (Branson) Napier. Merita was a 1976 graduate of Wabash High School, then went on to receive her Bachelor's Degree in business and accounting from Indiana University. She was a US Army veteran. Merita married Terry Carpenter in Wabash, Indiana on May 20, 1986; he died March 3, 2012. She worked at Dana Corp, Cardinal Services, and owned and operated her own business R&J Accounting and Computer Services. She enjoyed gardening, going to concerts, crocheting, making ceramics, and decorating. Merita also enjoyed spending time with her family, and especially taking care of her animals. She is survived by her daughter, Denise (Charles Goodpaster) Carpenter of North Manchester, stepson, Travis (Carrie) Carpenter of Wabash, six grandchildren, Damian Malik, Virginia Malik, Ivy Krygowski, Josie Grossnickle, Abby (Gareth) Monroe, and Isabelle Carpenter, two brothers, Ronald Napier of Akron, Indiana, and Eddie (Fran) Napier of North Manchester, sister, Lisa Nelson of Wabash, and several nieces and nephews; Jason (Amanda) Napier, John (Melanie) Lynn, James (Naomi) Lynn, Joshua (Amanda) Napier, Brandi Napier, Jennifer Napier, Joanna Johnson, Melissa Graf, Nathan Napier, Stephanie (Thomas) Scott, and Dana (Sam) Savarino. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sister, Elizabeth Lynn, and nephew, Ronald Leon Napier. Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Rev. Charles Osborne officiating. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Visitation for family and friends will be from 3:00 - 7:00 pm, Friday, at the funeral home. Preferred memorial is SurvivingBreastCancer.org. The memorial guest book for Merita may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.