Marilyn Stocker

The hands that worked tirelessly on behalf of the Auxiliary at Union Hospital for more than four decades are at rest. Marilyn D. Stocker, age 71, of New Philadelphia died unexpectedly early Saturday morning in her home. Best known as “Merm” to her family and friends, she was born December 22, 1937, at Dover to the late William Wallace Demuth and June Elizabeth Nagely Demuth. A 1955 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, Merm attended Miami University of Ohio before marrying the late Chester D. “Chet” Stocker at Richmond, Indiana, on August 3, 1957.Following Chet’s graduation from Ohio University, the couple returned to New Philadelphia, where they made their home and raised three children. At the top of the extensive list of Merm’s involvement in the community is the Union Hospital Auxiliary. Merm was known as the buyer-in-chief for many years for the gift shop operated by the auxiliary. She also led a catering group, donating her time and a great deal of effort to provide catering services in exchange for donations to the auxiliary’s causes. Her talents for party planning and hospitality are legendary.The Tuscarawas County YMCA was also a beneficiary of Merm’s volunteer service, as she was involved in the fundraising campaign for the original Monroe Street relocation project.Merm was a faithful and longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church at New Philadelphia. Socially, Merm was a member of both the Tourist Club and the Union Country Club, where she established the annual children’s Christmas party.Merm was also a talented musician; as a young lady she played the cello for the Tuscarawas Philharmonic. Merm’s greatest legacy is the family she leaves behind: sons Steven C. (Ginny A.) Stocker of Dover and James W. (Kathleen G.) Stocker of Cincinnati and daughter Susan S. (Douglas S.) Ward of Basking Ridge, NJ.Eight grandchildren: Kristen S. (Dr. David M.) Holder of Winston-Salem, NC; David M. Stocker of Athens, OH; James W. “Will” Stocker, Jr., Thomas G. Stocker, and Matthew G. Stocker, all of Cincinnati, OH; Alexandra E. Ward, Natalie C. Ward, and Jason S. Ward, of Basking Ridge, NJ. A great-granddaughter: Virginia Elaine “Ellie” Holder, of Winston Salem, NC. Two brothers-in-law: Edward Karl of Dover and William R. Stocker of Homosassa, Florida, and an uncle; John R. “Dick” Demuth, of New Philadelphia, complete the family. In addition to her parents, Merm is preceded in death by her husband, Chet, on May 28, 2005, and her sister; Patricia E. Karl.Friends are invited to call Wednesday from 4PM â?? 7PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The Reverend Richard Greenwood will lead an 11AM celebration of Merm’s life on Thursday in the First Presbyterian Church at New Philadelphia, where a reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Private inurnment in Evergreen Burial Park is planned. Merm lead a life serving our community through various charitable organizations. To memorialize her legacy of caring, the family suggests contributions to The Union Hospital Auxiliary â?? 659 Boulevard, Dover, OH 44622, or to the First Presbyterian Church â?? Stained Glass Restoration Fund- 217 East High Avenue New Philadelphia, Ohio, 44663