Ruth A. Merrill

January 16, 2024 at 4:15 p.m.


Ruth A. Merrill, age 105, of Naples, Florida and a former longtime resident of Brookville, died peacefully Thursday, January 11, 2024 at All Seasons of Naples.

Born November 16, 1918 


in Connersville, Indiana she was one of two children born to the late Carl and Alice (Strong) Precht.  On September 13, 1941 she became the bride of S. Edward Merrill, and they enjoyed over 66 years together until his passing on April 9, 2008.  During their married lives, they resided in Connersville, South Bend, Oneonta, NY and Brookville.

Ruth was a member of the Brookville United Methodist Church; a 75-year member of the Order of Eastern Star, where she had been Past Matron of the South Bend, Indiana chapter, served as a District Deputy and a Grand Star Point.  She was also a member of the Brookville Women's Club, and an associate member of Brookville Tri Kappa.  

In her leisure time she enjoyed reading, playing cards, baking treats for friends and neighbors, and time spending time with her family.  

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Claudia Merrill of Estero, Florida; one grandson, Brian (Amanda) Merrill, three great-grandchildren, Kristin (Grant) Balbach, Hillary Merrill, Thomas Merrill; two great-great granddaughters, Harper Mae Balbach and Riley Virginia Balbach; as well as a sister-in-law, Sylvia Precht of Brookville. 

In addition to her parents and husband Ed, she was preceded in death by a brother, Carl Donald Precht, who died May 26, 1999, as well as a brother and sister-in-law, Gayle and Alta Merrill.

Family and friends may visit from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.

Rev. Steve Rundel, pastor of the Brookville United Methodist Church will officiate the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 26, 2024 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery in Connersville.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Brookville United Methodist Church.  The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the Merrill family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences, please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Paid obituary

Ruth A. Merrill, age 105, of Naples, Florida and a former longtime resident of Brookville, died peacefully Thursday, January 11, 2024 at All Seasons of Naples.

Born November 16, 1918 


in Connersville, Indiana she was one of two children born to the late Carl and Alice (Strong) Precht.  On September 13, 1941 she became the bride of S. Edward Merrill, and they enjoyed over 66 years together until his passing on April 9, 2008.  During their married lives, they resided in Connersville, South Bend, Oneonta, NY and Brookville.

Ruth was a member of the Brookville United Methodist Church; a 75-year member of the Order of Eastern Star, where she had been Past Matron of the South Bend, Indiana chapter, served as a District Deputy and a Grand Star Point.  She was also a member of the Brookville Women's Club, and an associate member of Brookville Tri Kappa.  

In her leisure time she enjoyed reading, playing cards, baking treats for friends and neighbors, and time spending time with her family.  

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Claudia Merrill of Estero, Florida; one grandson, Brian (Amanda) Merrill, three great-grandchildren, Kristin (Grant) Balbach, Hillary Merrill, Thomas Merrill; two great-great granddaughters, Harper Mae Balbach and Riley Virginia Balbach; as well as a sister-in-law, Sylvia Precht of Brookville. 

In addition to her parents and husband Ed, she was preceded in death by a brother, Carl Donald Precht, who died May 26, 1999, as well as a brother and sister-in-law, Gayle and Alta Merrill.

Family and friends may visit from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.

Rev. Steve Rundel, pastor of the Brookville United Methodist Church will officiate the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 26, 2024 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery in Connersville.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Brookville United Methodist Church.  The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the Merrill family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences, please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Paid obituary

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