Marian Ruth Merker

04/20/1919 — 10/10/2011

From Vancouver, WA, US | Born in Carthage, MO

Marian Ruth Merker

MARIAN RUTH ECKMAN MERKER

Marian passed away on October 10, 2011 in Vancouver, WA at age 92. Marian was born in Carthage, Missouri on April 20, 1919 to parents John and Josephine Eckman. She graduated from Carthage High School in 1937 and then attended Kansas State Teachers’ College and Joiner’s Business College.

Marian married Leonard Merker of Web City, MO on July 6, 1940. In November of l947 they relocated in Richland with their children, Richard and Phyllis, where they resided for 60 years.

Marian worked as a secretary for General Electric Company from l951 to l958, the Atomic Energy Commission from l958 to l961, and Columbia High School from 1962 to l973 when she retired.

Marian was an accomplished musician playing the piano by sight since childhood. After Leonard surprised her with a Hammond Organ in 1958, she studied chord theory and learned to play by ear. She loved playing at various events such as weddings and funerals and served as an organist for worship services at her church, Faith Assembly Christian Center in Pasco.

Marian’s hobbies included painting ceramics, cross-stitch, and baking. She had a gift for hospitality and often served as a gracious hostess for family and friends. Marian loved the Lord and taught children about Jesus in Sunday School. She held Bible studies in her home for many years. Marian was a member of the Columbia River Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution and held several offices including Regent. Her D.A.R. ancestral line was through her maternal grandmother who was a cousin to Stonewall Jackson.

Marian resided in Vancouver, WA since Leonard’s passing in 2007. They had celebrated 67 years of marriage. Marian is survived by her son, Richard Merker, and wife, Jamelyn, of Nampa, ID; by her daughter, Phyllis Hill, and husband, William, and granddaughter, Melissa Hill, of Vancouver, WA; by her brother, John Stuckey Eckman, and wife, Robin, and niece, Sarah Eckman, of Chester, VA; and by cousin, Helen Steward Huntley, of Carthage, MO.

A memorial service will be held at Memories at Sunset Event Center on Saturday, November 12 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Family Kids Camp for foster kids provided by Faith Assembly Church.

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