Ruth Phyllis (Gerold) Merrill

Ruth Phyllis (Gerold) Merrill, 94, resided at the Commons of Providence, Sandusky and died May 23, 2022, after a brief illness.

Ruth was born in Sandusky, Ohio on April 30, 1928. She was graduate of Sandusky High School in 1946, and Bowling Green State University in 1950 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education. Ruth married Raymond David Merrill on June 16, 1951.

Due to her husband's time in the service Ruth lived in San Antonio, Texas and worked with civilian personnel on the post. Several years later, Ruth moved with her husband to Chicago, Illinois as Raymond David began a long career in insurance with the Hartford Insurance Company. Once settling in Appleton, Wisconsin, Ruth was hired as a full-time business education teacher in Salem, Wisconsin. Due to her husband's work, the family moved many times including to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ruth enjoyed living in a foreign country and wherever she went she met wonderful friends. Ruth’s career included working for the federal government and substitute teaching as she raised two children.

Ruth was a member of the First Faith Community Church where she was involved in the Morning Doves, Church Council, Monthly Newsletter, and the Faith Ringers. Ruth was also an accomplished musician playing the piano and the coronet. For many years, she performed with the Vacationland Band of Sandusky and the Alumni Band of Sandusky High School. Ruth was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 2529, and she volunteered regularly with Care and Share. Ruth’s hobbies included exercise, cooking, reading, working in her yard, and visiting with her family and friends.

Survivors include a daughter, Christine (Frank) McElroy, Flemington, New Jersey; a son, Douglas (Elisabeth Strom) Merrill, Wilmette, Illinois. Ruth had three granddaughters, Katherine Merrill, Megan (Mike) Fischer and Lauren (Tim) Muldoon; and one grandson Jonathan Merrill; six great granddaughters, two great grandsons, nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond David Merrill in 1999; her sister, Jane (Gerold) Crossen in 2002; her brother, John Gerold in 2016, and her parents, Harold F. Gerold in 1976 and Elma (Kneisel) Gerold in 1992.

At the request of the deceased, cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, June 11, 2022, in the Pfeil Funeral Home, Sandusky Chapel, 617 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky with Pastor John Apple officiating. Family graveside services will be held in Peaks Cemetery, Berlin Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Faith Community Church, 225 E. Jefferson Street, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, Stein Hospice Service, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, Back to the Wild, P.O. Box 423, 4504 Bradshaw Road, Castalia, Ohio 44824, or to one’s favorite charity.

Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.

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