Merle Ruth Collingsworth Hancher

Merle Ruth Collingsworth Hancher, 81, of Columbus, entered into eternal life on Saturday, January 17, 2015, at her home surrounded by the love of her family. Merle was born on March 30, 1933, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, to Mirl and Sara Mason Collingsworth. Merle moved with her family to Columbus in 1951. She married Jack David Hancher on January 9, 1953, and celebrated 49 years of marriage together prior to his death on August 30, 2000.

Merle worked at CP Electronics, Arvin Industries and as a private caregiver before becoming a homemaker. Merle was a lifetime member of Parkside Baptist Church. Merle was also a member of the OK Extension Club. She enjoyed traveling and researching her family’s heritage through genealogy. Her hobbies included volunteering, crocheting, sewing, reading, gardening, watching movies, singing, roller-skating and walking. Merle was an avid supporter of her grandchildren/great-grandchildren at their school and extracurricular events.

Merle was a woman of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ’s love and the beauty and peace that would await her after passing.

Merle was welcomed into heaven’s gates by her husband, Jack Hancher; mother and father, Mirl and Sara Mason Collingsworth; her brothers, Joe, Wayne, Charles and Lynn Collingsworth as well as her son, Steve Hancher.

Her legacy continues through her daughter, Sarah (Pete) Abel of North Vernon; granddaughters, Miranda (Shane) Ison of Columbus, Holly Buchanan of Knightstown, Drew (Joni) and Morgan Abel of North Vernon. In addition, she is survived by seven great-grandchildren, Sarah, Olivia and Jacalynn Ison of Columbus, Kaleb and Haley of Knightstown and Madelyn Abel of North Vernon. She left behind three brothers, Jack (Nancy) Collingsworth of Middlesboro, KY, Don (Brigitte) Collingsworth of Freeburg, IL and Bill (Linda) Collingsworth of Tazewell, TN.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2015. The Celebration of Merle’s life will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday January 21, 2015, at Myers-Reed Chapel on 25th Street. Dr. William E. Bailey will be presiding. Burial will follow at Garland Brook Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, Bartholomew County Humane Society or the Pregnancy Care Center. Online tributes may be sent to Merle’s family at www.myers-reed.com.