Nellie (Stites) Merillat of Archbold, Ohio, passed peacefully into eternal rest on November 1, 2019 at Bryan Hospital at the age of 89.

Nellie was born on March 2, 1930 to Robert and Alice (Kuhn) Stites. She married Ray James Merillat on January 17, 1947. She and Ray resided in rural Fayette all their married life where they raised their 5 children.

Nellie showed her love and support for her children and youth in the area serving as 4-H advisor for 20 years and helping start the Fayette Pancake Sausage Supper.

Working the family garden, caring for the animals, sewing for her children and later working at McCord’s in Wauseon along with her husband; they set a quiet example of the satisfaction and importance of hard work.

While at McCords she was active in the UAW helping co-workers whom she considered family, and she continued this support in retirement. She took pride in volunteering on election day as a precinct election official in Fulton County for many years.

She lived out her faith as a longtime member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Archbold where she was active in the Rosary Altar Society. Nellie was an avid sports fan keeping up with multiple sports, teams, and players at once. Family was always a priority and a treasure to Nellie.

Over the years she enjoyed family reunions and get togethers, attending grandchildren’s many activities, and always welcomed a visit with a cup of coffee and a card game. She was a woman of strong convictions, of fierce love, and of unwavering support.

Surviving to share memories and mourn her loss are her children, Mary Ellen (John) Colegrove, Jane Merillat, Helen Rashley, and Rick (Deb) Merillat, daughter-in-law Joyce Merillat,  siblings Mary Grime, Evelyn Moore, and June Wanless, 13 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Alice (Kuhn) Stites, husband Ray Merillat, 3 brothers, 6 sisters, son Edd Merillat, son-in-law Jeff Rashley, and great-grandson Miller Merillat.

Family and friends may call from 2:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8th at Short Funeral Home in Archbold, Ohio. There will be a Rosary service at 7:30. A Mass of Christian Burial for Nellie will be held Saturday, November 9th at 10:30 a.m., at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Archbold, Ohio with Father Stephen Stanbery officiating. A private Rite of Committal and burial will follow at Smith’s Cemetery.A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held immediately following at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to Archbold EMS. www.ShortFuneralHome.com

© 2019, Newspaper Staff. All rights reserved.