Visitation:
202 W. Maple Street Willard OH 44890 10/2/2017 09:00:00
Service:
202 W. Maple Street Willard OH 44890 10/2/2017 10:30:00
Merridelle Ruth DePue Sowers, age 96, resident of the Willows of Willard, Ohio peacefully slipped into the waiting arms of her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 26, 2017. She was born on July 27, 1921 in Mansfield, Ohio, daughter of the late William and Lena DePue. She was a graduate of Johnsville High School, attended Ohio State University and graduated from Bowling Green State University in education. Later she was certified as a reading specialist and served elementary students in the Willard City Schools.
She is survived by four children: Nancy Krieger of Mansfield, William (Daryl) Sowers of Wooster, Dave (Gail) Sowers of Willard and Martin Sowers of Willard; three grandchildren, Jeremy (Krista) Sowers of Willard, Krista (Richard) Fitzsimmons of Wooster, and Kari (John) Krabill of Loudonville; four great grandchildren, Jerett and Kalli Sowers and Kaley and Morgan Fitzsimmons. She is also survived by two sisters, Margie Simmons of Johnsville and Margueritte Shaffer of Mt. Gilead.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Harry “Doc” Sowers, brothers-in-law Guy Simmons and Richard Shaffer and son-in-law, Jon Krieger.
Merridelle brought a positive presence into every circumstance. She had the gift for seeing only the good in others and was an avid encourager to so many who sought her counsel. Her sense of humor and contagious smile were beloved trademarks that defined her joyful spirit. She loved working on projects, researching anything from the history of barns to plans for building a new church, and reading wide ranges of books and articles. Because of her love for Jesus and His church, she faithfully served on countless committees and at age 80 took special joy in organizing the new church library. Merridelle’s life has beautifully touched so many.
Friends may call at the Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio on Monday, October 2, 2017 fom 9:00 – 10:30 am with the funeral service at 10:30 am with Rev. William Sowers officiating. Burial will be held after the funeral in the Shauck Cemetery in Johnsville. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 907 W. State Street, #A, Fremont, Ohio 43420. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
Dave, Marty and family, so sorry to hear about your Mother’s passing, she was so sweet and caring and she will really be missed. May the Lord give you strength to get through this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Nancy and family, Our love to you! What a tremendous legacy you have been given in a loving Christian Mother. I will always remember the “ear-to-ear” grins that both your Mom and Dad always sported when I saw them together – and I seldom saw apart.
Though we don’t like the separation of her passing into the Lord’s presence, we are thrilled for her, and the reunion she has with “Doc” and Jon and with family members who were waiting to welcome her into her reward – all sporting “ear-to-ear” grins!
Again, we rejoice in her legacy, and share in your loss.
Love, J. Todd and Linda Snyder
Marty, Sorry to hear about your moms passing. Prayers.
Sorry to hear the sad news about Mrs. Sowers. Kind thoughts and prayers are going out to the Sowers family. May God grant you peace and comfort for the difficult days ahead, and fond memories for the years to come.
My sympathy to Merridelle’s family. What a gracious and godly lady she was! I know she is in Heaven with Doc, smiling down on her loved ones. May you all find comfort and strength in our Lord at this most difficult time. God Bless You.
So sorry to hear of Merridelle’s passing, but so happy for her. What a sweet, sweet woman. Her smile will certainly be missed.
To the Sowers family,
We are so sorry to read about your loved one’s passing. We remember her very fondly when we were teaching. May your wonderful memories of her help you during this sad time. What a wonderful, long life she had.