Merrill Nix

Graveside services are scheduled at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, at Woodbine Cemetery for Merrill Frances Nix who passed away April 6, 2010. Rev. Gavin Vaughan will officiate at the services. A lunch reception will follow for all friends of the family at the Artesia Country Club.

Merrill was born April 20, 1966 to Ralph Nix, Jr. and Joyce Dunlap Nix. Merrill graduated from the Hockaday School, class of 1984 in Dallas, Texas, received a Bachelor of Science, Journalism, from University of Texas, 1990 Master of Science, Journalism, from Ohio University, 1993 Master of Arts, Visual Communication, Ohio University, 1993, including course study at Queen Margaret College in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Some of Merrills accomplishments include 1991 college photographer of the year and a Kentucky Derby photo on the front page of Sports Illustrated. She worked directly with Carl Schultz as Director of his first interactive CD, entitled Snoopys Campfire Stories. Most recently Merrill has produced fine art photography which has been sold in several notable galleries. Merrill spent considerable time and energy working to better the lives of animals everywhere, most specifically in the fields of rescuing homeless dogs and cats. She was a true advocate for animal welfare. Merrill was a member of several Artesia Main Street committees, including the Heritage Walkway Plaza and Rig Floor. She served on various art council committees and helped organize several dog show events. Her Christmas light sculptures and designs, enjoyed by so many during the holidays, were made by the company Light Shed which Merrill founded.

Merrill is survived by her father, Ralph Skip Nix, Jr. and his wife, Debbie, younger brother, Ralph Hap Nix III and his son, Rex, of Long Beach, Calif., a younger sister, Seanna Stocton, and husband, Phil, and their daughter, Hanna, of Dade City, Florida.

Merrill was predeceased by her Mother in 1994.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to Paws and Claws, 702 W. Main Artesia, NM 88210, in memory of Merrill Nix.