Rita J. Merrill White, 85 of Clyde, OH passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at ProMedica Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born on March 29, 1930 in Fremont, the daughter of Robert and Irene (Murray) Lehman. She was a 1948 graduate of Fremont Ross High School.
Rita was the Manager at the Fremont VFW for twenty years where she was a Life member and proudly marched with the Color Guard. She sang in a group called the “Top Hats” and loved gardening and working on word puzzles. Rita met once a month with fellow classmates at the 818 Club.
Rita is survived by her children, Tim (Linda) Merrill, Fremont, OH, Fred (Becky) Merrill, Columbus, OH, Ted (Amy) Merrill, Fremont, OH; step-children, Robert (Marleen) White and John White both of Clyde, OH, son-in-law, Bruce Longanbach, Kyle, TX; fourteen grandchildren; five step grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Donald J. Merrill; second husband, Arthur “Frank” White; children, Anna Katherine Merrill, Theresa Lane, Patrick Merrill and Sarah “Sally” Longanbach and brothers, Richard and Leo Lehman.
Visitation: Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E State St, Fremont, OH.
Service: Sunday, January 17, 2016; 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with an hour of visitation prior to the service. Pastor Jody Rice will officiate.
Memorials: Alzheimer’s Association
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.
Online Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.whhfh.com
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Marsha Kohr
Ted, Amy and family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences in the loss of your mother, grandmother.
May Gods loving arms comfort you in your sorrow.
Ted & Amy Merrill
Thank you.
Elayne Casey
What a joy it was to have known Rita for the short time I did. She had an unusual zest for life and a great sense of humor. My condolences to Tim and Linda, Ted and Amy, Fred and Becky. The heavens are so much brighter tonight!
Ted & Amy Merrill
Thank you Elayne- what a bright spot in her life! She LOVED family history! It was so great meeting you & I know she loved that you reached out to her! Amy
Deb Smith
Ted, Amy and family,
May God give you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Ted & Amy Merrill
Thanks Deb- we sure felt everyone’s prayers! Please keep them coming- now we have to learn to go through life with-out her. Amy
Kim Thompson / Ruth Ross
So sorry to hear of the loss of a great woman. My mom was saddened to hear of her passing, but really thankful she was able to go see Rita at Bethesda. Thinking of everyone during this time and prayers for the family.
Ted & Amy Merrill
Kim & Ruth, (Ruthy)
Thank you so much for taking the time to go see her at Bethesda! She had GREAT friends!! There until the end! Thank you for the prayers! We ALL sure need them! Please keep them coming for the days ahead! Amy
Nicki Hensley Metz
My deepest condolences to your family. Rita was like a second mom to me for a very long time during my younger years. I remember when she first got her drivers license, she was so proud of herself. She was a wonderful woman and friend. Rita, when it’s my time to join you, I’ll sniff the air for Love’s Baby Soft Jasmine and I’ll find you!
Ted & Amy Merrill
Nicki,
I know she loved you! She was the most LOVING & accepting woman I have ever met!! Her heart was 10 times taller than she was!! lol! So many GREAT memories!! We are ALL better people for having known her! We can all follow her example. <3
Amy
Pat (Huntzinger) Bristley
I was sorry to read of Rita”s death. We were both members of the “Georges” in high school. I sent her obituary to JoAnn (Herring) Beneddetto of Hayward, WS and Ruth (Sprunk) Fanning of Carey, OH.
Ted & Amy Merrill
Pat,
Thank you for your kind words. I have heard her stories about all of you- I know she took pleasure in her High School days! She loved the High School reunions!! She was saddened when she was no longer able to meet with the “high school girls” for lunch. Please keep our family in your prayers. Amy
Darla Frech
My heartfelt condolences on your loss. The entire Merrill family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Ted & Amy Merrill
Darla,
Thank you so much. Please continue to pray for us in the days ahead.
Amy
Diane reed
I knew Rita for about 6 years when we worked at dairy mart on the east side. She was a very nice person. Sorry for the loss.
Ted & Amy Merrill
Diane,
She was a wonderful person to know. She was a dedicated & hard worker! She touched many lives! Thank you for taking a minute to share your thoughts! Please keep us in your prayers.
Amy Merrill
(daughter-in-law)