Helen Ruth Merillat, age 87 years, of Archbold, passed away Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 1, 2011, in her home.

She was born Feb. 15, 1923, near Elmira, the daughter of Clarence and Ruth (Leu) Clingaman, and married Harold Merillat on Jan. 24, 1942.

She lived her life with Harold around the United States, eventually settling in the Baltimore, Md. area, where she lived for 18 years, before returning to Archbold in 1993.

During her years in Maryland, she worked in the Lingerie Department at Woodward & Lothrop department store.

She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Burlington, and served as treasurer for the American Legion Auxiliary in Archbold

She is survived by her husband, Harold; one son, James Merillat of New York City; two sisters, Evelyn (Carl) Roth of Toledo and Bonita (Richard) Saam of Maumee.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, John Merillat.

Services were held on Monday, Feb. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Short Funeral Home in Archbold with Pastor James Strawn officiating. Interment followed in St. James Lutheran Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorials be made to Hospice The Caring Way of Williams/ Fulton Counties, 230 Westfield Drive, Archbold. www.ShortFuneralHome.com.