Ruth Ann Merringer

Ruth Ann Merringer was born in Lamberton Township, MN, on September 28, 1932, to John Carl and Maude Alice (Perry) Yackel, the fourth of five sisters. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church and graduated from Lamberton Public School. After high school, she lived in the Twin Cities for a short time before moving to Chicago. There, she met a Navy man, Ray Henry Merringer and they were united in marriage on November 11, 1956. Three children blessed their lives: Rebecca Lee, Rhonda Rae, and Ronald John. They moved back to Lamberton in 1963, where Ruth worked as a legal secretary and ran a tax service from her home for many years, preparing taxes for fixed income residents without charge. In later years, she worked as a caregiver to developmentally-delayed people until her retirement.

Ruth was a woman devoted to Christ and her family, being an example and testimony to her faith, bringing others to know Jesus as their savior. She was a teacher of nostalgic things, a singer of long-forgotten songs and could sing a song about any mentioned subject. She was a tough woman, giving credit to her Irish heritage and would remind you that she could beat you at anything. Her spunk and zest for life were her trademark. Her non-judgmental character, generous heart, and wisdom made others seek her knowledge in times of trouble. Ruth was involved in her church and community in many ways, including serving as church treasurer, election judge, leader of bone builder's class and TOPS. She was known as "Granny" by the children in her life and always had time for them. She enjoyed reading, doing the Sunday crossword puzzle, shopping, playing board games, singing, collecting angels, growing house plants and joking around.