Rilla M. Merrick, age 84 of Mount Gilead, passed away Friday, September 14, 2012. Rilla was born and raised in Portsmouth, Ohio, daughter of the late, Sedie and Ida Johnson. Rilla was a spiritual and loving woman and most recently had been a member of Johnsville Methodist Church. She will be greatly missed by her loving husband of 40 years, Raymond Merrick; children, Victoria (Jimmie) Hogan, Dan (Jan) Thompson, Thomas (Idana) Merrick, Patricia (Robert) Wright, and Robert (Gail) Merrick; 8 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and sisters, Dorothy (Charles) Adams and Sarah Samuels. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N. High St., where family will receive friends from 10 A.M. until time of service. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Tuesday at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 275 N. Cedar St., Newark. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina 28607-3000. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.
