Billy Merrifield

Sheriff Billy A. Merrifield

March 13, 1975 – April 20, 2025

With deep sorrow, we announce the unexpected passing of Rio Arriba County Sheriff Billy A. Merrifield, who left us on April 20, 2025, at the age of 50. Billy served our community with unwavering dedication, embodying the very spirit of public service. 

Sheriff Merrifield was more than a law enforcement officer—he was a true pillar of our community. Known for his compassion, fairness, leadership, and tireless work ethic, he committed himself fully to the safety and well-being of Rio Arriba County’s residents and his team. 

Billy was a remarkable man and he was loved deeply by many. His passions included riding his Harley, skiing, and traveling, but most of all, he cherished time spent with family and friends. Billy’s hard work and commitment to expanding and strengthening his department, made the county a safer place for all of us. He especially loved coaching and mentoring local youth, he made a lasting impression on many of our kids and was always willing to lend an ear and provide guidance when asked. His friends were his family and he loved and treated them as such.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Brandi Ortiz-Merrifield, his sister Devonna Sena, and her partner Benjamin Sena. 

He is survived by his mother Lana Nadine Merrifield ; his grandchildren Isaiah Ortiz , and Jayla Alexis, and Marcos Alon (Brandies children); his siblings Nada and Donovan Merrifield and step sister Terri Banning.   Also survived by Billy are Paula Ortiz biological mother of daughter Brandy Ortiz- Merrifield;  Juli Martinez, mother to step-children Markus and Rianna Griego; significant other Tovah M. Martinez and step-sons Joshua Martinez and Isaiah Martinez . He is also survived by step-grandchildren Jayden and Kehlani Martinez along with nieces and nephews: Angelic, Kylie and Benjamin Sena, Natalia, ViaAnalise, DoiAvangelo Valdez, Carlos Esquibel, Miquella and Donovan Jr. Martinez Merrifield; and his Godson Dale Salazar Jr, as well as many more dear family and friends.

A Memorial Service will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the Espanola Valley High School Gymnasium (1111 El Llano Road) in El Llano, NM. 

A Rosary will take place at 1:00 pm at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo, NM, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, with Mass to follow at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at the Nuestra Senora de Dolores Cemetery in Chimayo, NM.

Sheriff Merrifield's legacy of service, compassion, and leadership will continue to inspire all who knew him and he will be profoundly missed.

Serving the family as Pallbearers will be his trusted Rio Arriba County Deputies 

Honorary Pallbearers: Isaiah Ortiz Markus & Rianna Griego, Joshua & Isaiah Martinez, Dale Salazar, Jr., Donavan Merrifield, Jr. and Jacob Trujillo.

The family of Billy Merrifield has entrusted the care of their loved one to Devargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477