Clara L. "Tuts" Merkel's Obituary
Clara L. Merkel, age 85 of Morris, Indiana, died Tuesday, March 2, 2010. Born February 22, 1925 in Decatur County Indiana, she is the daughter of Pauline (Nee: Suding) and Charles Saler. She married Nicholas Merkel June 19, 1954 at St. John’s Church in Enochsburg, Indiana, and he preceded her in death March 17, 1999. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Anthony’s Church and the ladies Sodality. Clara had many interests and a common theme for several of them was nurturing. She liked taking care of people, tending to her chickens and working in her garden, where she was especially proud of her tomatoes. Some of the things she enjoyed doing for relaxation and leisure were fishing, playing checkers or cards, sewing and quilt making. Religion was important to Clara and many will miss seeing her in her familiar spot in the back pew at church. While most people may not know blue was her favorite color, there is no doubt her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her daughters and son-in-laws Doris and Mike Harmeyer of Rushville, Indiana, Angela and Chris Deutsch and Pauline and Jim Kuntz, both of Morris; son and daughter-in-law Andrew and Teresa Merkel of Morris; sisters Mary Kipp of Cincinnati, Ohio, Sr. Helen Saler O.S.F. of Oldenburg, Indiana, Chardy Redelman of Millhousen, Indiana; brothers Fred Saler of Greensburg, Indiana, Bill Saler of Indianapolis, Indiana and eight grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she is also preceded in death by sister Martha Clark; brother Francis Saler and great granddaughter Elizabeth Hilger.Visitation is Friday, March 5th, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home with a rosary service at 4 p.m. Funeral services are 1 p.m. Saturday, March 6th, at St. Anthony’s Church in Morris with Rev. Pascal Nduka officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to St. Anthony’s Building Restoration Fund or the Cemetery Fund.
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