Support Cate in Merle's Final Days

Hello! I'm Kellee Hann, a friend of Cate's. She's been sharing this journey with me over the last couple of months and am hoping to help ease the burden of what's to come. Please see below. <3

Merle has always lived life on his own terms—stubborn, strong, and fiercely independent. Even in his final months, that spirit never wavered. In October, he fell ill with pneumonia. Though doctors sent him home with oxygen, he refused further treatment, just as those who knew him best would expect. When his only child, Cate, hadn’t heard from him for a few days, worry set in. A welfare check confirmed what she feared—he needed more care than he would ever admit.

Since then, it has been a long, difficult road. Merle has been in the hospital, fighting the fight in his own way. But sometimes, no matter how strong the will, the body just can’t keep up. Now, he is preparing to leave this world, hopefully in the comfort of his home.

Through it all, Cate has put her entire life on hold—managing the farm, remodeling the house in the hope of bringing him home, and standing by his side for every appointment, every hard conversation, every moment of hope and heartbreak. She has given everything she has to make sure her dad is cared for. But love alone doesn’t ease the financial burden of these final days.

No one should have to face the weight of losing a parent while worrying about how to cover the costs that come with it. If you can, please help Cate with Merle’s final expenses. Any amount, no matter how small, is a gift of kindness and relief during an unimaginably hard time. And if you’re unable to give, sharing this or keeping Cate and Merle in your thoughts means the world.

Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and for honoring Merle’s life in this way.