Fern L. Merillat. 94 years, of West Unity, passed away Friday, March 6, 2015 at Hillside Country Living, Bryan with her family at her side. Fern was born December 31, 1920 in Woodburn, Indiana, the daughter of the late Raymond and Esther (Zimmerman) Gerig. She married LaVern Merillat on August 3, 1940 in Fayette, Ohio and he preceded her in death on September 30, 1990. Fern worked as a supervisor in the Packing Department of Allied Moulded Products for over 20 years, retiring in 1982. Fern was active with the Mother of Twins Club, Williams County Fair Board where she was a volunteer and the Williams County Board of Elections where she served for many years. She was also a member of the West Unity Garden Club. Fern enjoyed quilting, sewing and traveling.
Surviving are her six children, Shirley Williams of Bryan, Carol (Don) Moore of Lake Wales, Florida, Betty (Arthur) Huffman of West Unity, Pauline (Robert) Graham of Port Charlotte, Florida, Paul (Linda) Merillat of Stryker and Richard (Kathleen) Merillat of West Unity; 21 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren with another due any day; two sisters, Hutoka Opdycke of Fayette and Velma Albert of Paulding. She was preceded in death by her husband, LaVern, one son, Terry, one great grandson, Levi Hancock and two brothers, Lawrence and Lloyd Gerig.
Visitation for Fern L. Merillat will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2015 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 202 North Liberty Street, West Unity, Ohio. Funeral services for Fern will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2015 at Living Hope Free Methodist Church, 1051 West Jackson Street, West Unity, with Pastor David Mathis officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant View Union Cemetery, Fayette.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to Gentiva Hospice, 1745 Indianwood Circle, Maumee, Ohio 43537.
Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com