Born June 21, 1931 in Montrose, Colorado to Horatio “Oly” Babcock and Marie Elizabeth (Robbins) Babcock. He was one of five brothers: Bob, Noel, (Merel), Don and Delbert.

Merel’s younger years were spent in Colorado moving around to allow his father to earn a living for the family. Merel had many stories of this time in his life from learning to swim in the river to the boys warming their hands in uranium slag piles on their way to school.

Merel was no stranger to work while growing up to help earn money for the family. One of his first jobs was delivering coal. Merel also accompanied his father following migrant workers, driving farm equipment and picking vegetables and fruit to earn money.

After leaving home, Merel worked for the United States Forest Service fighting fire, packing mules and building trails.

In 1948, at seventeen, Merel entered the Army and headed to Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1952.

During his service tour, Merel met and married Gladys Frank and they had two boys, Gary and Randy. The marriage didn’t last and Merel moved to Provo, Utah to work for the government. Merel had a short career as a police officer and then was hired as a communications repairman with a high security clearance. This latter position took him all over the United States repairing classified communications equipment.

In Utah, Merel met Thelma (Moore) Bitner, recent divorcee. Thelma had four children from her previous marriage: Sherry, Bill, Sandy and Ted. Merel and Thelma married and became an instant family. Thelma and the kids went with Merel on his government jobs, often camping out at State and federal parks to save money.

The family moved to Rio Dell, California in 1962. There Merel worked in lumber mills pulling green chain to earn a living. In 1963 a daughter was born into the family, Anita. In 1964, the family moved to Blue Lake, California so Merel could be closer to his work.

From his mill job, Merel made his way into the cab of a logging truck where he spent the next 36 years, first driving for Elmer Height and then for Wayne Bare Trucking (Arcata). Merel was with Wayne Bear for 35 years. Over his career with Wayne Bare, Merel worked his way up to number one driver, taught the younger crowd how to drive logging trucks and made many friends and acquaintances.

Merel retired from Wayne Bare, but didn’t stay retired for long. He went on to work for Gary and Sam Giannandrea, hauling straw, feed and whatever else was needed for 3-G’s Hay & Grain in Arcata. It was during this time that Merel lost Thelma to a stroke.

Widowed for a year, he met and married Vernie (Saucier) Costa. Merel and Vernie would go on long haul trucking trips, traveling to visit family and for fun and spent time at the local casinos with friends.

After fifteen years together, Merel stayed home to care for Vernie in her declining health.

Upon becoming a bachelor again, Merel moved to the family ranch at upper Redwood Valley in Humboldt County where he had a home. Here Merel spent the remainder of his life cared for by his family and hanging out with his “partner”, his Chihuahua, Bella.

Merel passed away at home surrounded by family on September 27, 2025. He was ninety-four years old.

Merel was proceeded in death by his parents, Oly and Marie Babcock, his brothers, Bob, Noel, Don and Delbert Babcock, his wives, Gladys Rice, Thelma Babcock, Vernie Babcock, children, Sherry Ring, Bill Bitner II (Marlene), grandchildren, Bobby Ring Jr., Jeffery Dick, Ruben Bitner, great, great grandchild, Orion Ring, nephew Steve Babcock and nephew in law Dean Chapman.

Merel is survived by his favorite cousin, Berta Criswell, sons, Gary (Carolyn) Rice, Randy (Mary) Rice and Ted Bitner, daughters, Sandy Bitner and Anita (David) Huff.

Grandchildren, Rena Williams, Steven (Jan) Ring, Monte Box, Bill III (Heather) Bitner, Stacie Vogt, Jed (Tiffany) Huff, Mana (Kevin) Hoskins, Gary Jr. (Nicole) Rice, Ben (Annie) Cluff, Raymond (Sylvia) Rice, Junior Rice, Randy Jr. (Patty) Rice, Angel Rice, Maricela (Eric) Caballero and Crystal Rice.

Great-grandchildren, Shalimar Stevens, Jerome (Kyla) Malone, Damon (Reva) Ring, Brittany Ring, Katie (Andrew) Turner, Kevin Ring, Jenilee Ring (Ou), Kyle Ring, Sydnee (Jacob) Kriese, Ryan Hoskins, Nathan Hoskins, Leila Rice, Carter Rice, Shayla Cluff, Lillianne Cluff, Weston Cluff, Alexander Rice, Alexis Rice, Aubrey Davidson, Zoie Rice, Daniel Quintero, DeSean Rice, Versell Coleman, Jimmie Valdavinos, Annalisa Caballero, Aden Caballero, Joshua Caballero, Anaya Rice, Malayah Rice, Nova Husky, Avery Huff and Henry Huff.

Great-great grandchildren, Jason Stevens, Dominic Malone, Maria Ring, Reina Ring, Henry Kriese and baby girl Kriese, due any day.

Nieces, Janeen Chapman, Leann Blackmon, Trina (Randy) Kizer, Marcy Babcock (Leo), Dana (Darryl) Burt and Deidra (John) Barnhart.

Special thank you to Merel’s healthcare team at the Eureka VA Clinic, Adult Day Healthcare of Mad River, Arcata, caregivers Gabriel and Alex from Care Planning Institute for helping provide Merel with a wonderful life while living out the remainder of his years at home, and Blue Lake Rancheria Elder Programs for providing support and resources that enabled Merel to stay at home.

At Merel’s request no services will be held.

In memory of Merel, donations can be made to Adult Day Healthcare of Mad River, P.O. Box 1115, Arcata, CA 95518-01115.

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