Remembering Ruth A. Merillat
Posted Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Ruth A. Merillat, benefactor of Adrian College, as well as many other educational and Christian institutions, went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 19, 2020.
“Ruth Merillat was one of the greatest examples of Christian love that this community has ever known,” Adrian College President Jeffrey Docking said. “Her kindness towards others, her commitment to family, her philanthropy and work in establishing Lenawee Christian Ministries with her beloved husband, Orville, and son, Richard, will leave a legacy to our region far beyond what anyone can put in words. She was a lifelong friend to Adrian College and her impact on this institution and our students will be felt for generations to come. As a friend, I will personally miss her dearly.”
Projects the Merillat family helped fund at Adrian College included the Merillat Sport & Fitness Center, the Shipman Library Expansion, the Caine Student Center, Arrington Ice Arena, Peelle Hall, the Herrick Chapel and AT Room renovations. Ruth and Orville were also amazingly supportive to student scholarships, Chaplain’s Office initiatives, beautification projects and general funding through the years.
The Merillat family will receive friends while practicing responsible social distancing on Monday, August 24, from 3-8 p.m. at the Christian Family Centre (1800 US Hwy 223, Adrian). Due to COVID 19 restrictions, Ruth’s funeral will be private. Live streaming of her service will begin at 2 p.m., Tuesday, August 25, via Facebook Live from the Lenawee Christian School Facebook Page. Ruth will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Oakwood Cemetery in Adrian.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Ruth Merillat Memorial Scholarship Fund at Lenawee Christian School. Donations can be made online at www.lenawee.org/gift or via mail to LCS Advancement, 111 Wolf Creek Hwy, Adrian, MI 49221.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.
