Merry Lee Stout Sutton, 65, of Ruston, died peacefully at home on January 1, 2018, surrounded by family. Lee was born March 29, 1952, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Edward L. Stout Jr. and Linda Grace Tugwell Stout. After losing her mother a short time after birth, Lee was raised for 4 years by her father, and her grandparents, Metz and Artie Tugwell of Farmerville. Lee time in Farmerville was happy and had a positive effect on the rest of her life. In 1956, her father married Mitzi Bailey, who loved and cared for Lee, as her own, for the rest of her life.Lee moved often while growing up, between Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas, but her favorite place was Ruston. She attended Louisiana Tech University where she pledged Kappa Delta and studied History and English, earning Bachelors and Master Degrees. It was there she met and fell in love with Freddy Sutton, of Gibsland, the love of her life and husband of 45 years. Lee was a fabulous cook, baker, and a devoted Mother. She created a special bond with her two daughters by sharing her love of life, nature, dogs (and fine chocolate!) Lee was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church for 42 years, with a special fondness for her Sunday School Class. Together, she and Fred enjoyed years of ushering and greeting, as well as behind the scenes jobs, such as 25 years of Communion Service clean up.As a lifelong educator, Lee began teaching in Bienville Parish, followed by 5 years at Louisiana Tech, then 21 years of teaching History and English at Ruston High School. She believed in and loved her students, many of whom returned to visit her years after graduation and still ask about her to this day.Loving Ruston as she did, Lee developed an interest in preserving and restoring its original beauty, which led to her years of service on Ruston Planning and Zoning Committee. She also cared deeply about the environment and demonstrated that in her daily life. There were no plastic water bottles nor a clothes dryer in the Sutton home! She backed up her beliefs with her actions, and an old fashioned clothes line!Lee was an avid reader and had great knowledge of many subjects, from world history, to classical music, to baseball. She liked to travel and try new things, but what brought her the greatest joy throughout her life were the simple things: her quiet faith, love for her family, her grandchildren, her neighborhood walking group, working in her yard (becoming a Ruston Master Gardener) being with her dogs, and the great outdoors. She visited her parents at their camp in Texas on a regular basis creating decades of happy family memories. She especially enjoyed quail hunting with her father and others, and working with her English Setters in the field.Lee was preceded in death by her Mothers. She is survived by her father, Ed Stout; her husband, Fred Sutton; their two children: Autumn Sutton Meaney, husband Jonathan and children Julia Lee and Andrew Richard; and Grace Sutton Murphy and husband Stuart; her siblings: Harry Stout, Sandy Stout Mitchell and husband Lee, and Lisa Stout and her sons Dan Leonard and Bridge Brinkman; and Mother-in-law Mary Katherine Sutton, sister-in-law Candy Bass Sutton, husband Travis and their families.A Memorial Service for Lee will be held on Friday, January 5, 2017, at 2:00 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston. A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM. Prior to this date, the immediate family will have gathered for the interment in Texas at the family private cemetery.Thank you to Ruston community and Trinity United Methodist Church for their continued prayers and support. Special thanks to the Kingdom Seekers Sunday School Class and the Neighborhood Group for weekly meals and prayers. A very special thanks is given to Keshia Hargrove and Jessie Roane as her primary caregivers over the past few years; and finally to Premier Hospice for their care of Lee during her final stage of life.In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd. S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047.Online condolences may be made at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.