Ronald Harry Merkel

Family and friends are invited to the memorial service for Ronald and Vesta Merkel on Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 1:30 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home. Their pastor, Rev. Michael E. Walters, will officiate. Vesta was born January 11, 1912 in Newcomerstown, a daughter of Gotlieb and Flora Cutshal Opphile. She was reared there and worked for Heller’s Drug Store as a clerk. On July 28, 1939 she married Ronald H. Merkel in Harrisburg, PA. The couple enjoyed spending time with their family and Vesta liked flower gardening. For many years they lived in Stone Creek. A member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Vesta belonged to the church’s Rebecca Circle. Vesta died January 22, 2003 in Dover. Cousins survive her. In addition to her parents, three brothers and three sisters preceded Vesta in deathRonald was born October 21, 1911 in Uhrichsville, a son of Chris H. and Glenna Buss Merkel. In 1929, Ron began his long career with Stone Creek Brick as a shader. Prior to the Second World War, he worked for Republic Steel in Massillon. During the war, Ron served honorably with the U. S. Navy. While in the service, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean nine times. After his discharge from the Navy Ron returned to Stone Creek and to work at the brickyard, retiring from there in 1975. Along with Vesta, he was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the American Legion, New Philadelphia Post No. 139. Ron died May 11, 2003 in Dover. He is survived by a sister, Helen Wherley of New Philadelphia and four nieces, Margie (Robert) Valentine of Magnolia; Sandra (Les) Guthrie of Riverbank, CA; Shirley Kay of Sarasota, FL and Glenda Klein of Inglewood, FL. Besides his parents and Vesta, he was preceded in death by one sister, Hazel Beer and one brother, Raymond Merkel. Ron and Vesta have been cremated through the care of Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Cremation Service and buried together at Stone Creek Cemetery. Contributions honoring their lives may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia, OH 44663