Ruth E. Merchant

   Ruth Evelyn Merchant, 91 of Nevada, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020 at the Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada following a brief illness.  Ruth was born on June 16, 1928 in Nevada to Frank and Dollie (Rapp) Howell.  She was married to Lavern Merchant on March 12, 1955 in Nevada and he preceded her in death in 2002.

   Ruth was a lifelong resident of Nevada.  She was baptized in the Pine Street Baptist Church and attended Nevada High School.  She worked as a seamstress at Key Work Clothes for 18 years and later at the Nevada State Hospital for 23 years until her retirement in 1992.  Ruth was a longtime member of the Nevada Eagles and the BPO Elks Women’s Auxillary.  In her younger years, Ruth enjoyed riding motorcycles, and camping, and loved being with her family.

   Survivors include her three children, Karen Smith and her husband Eldon, Joplin, MO, Hank Merchant, Nevada, and Cheryl Peavler of Nevada, two sisters, Elaine Peavler, Nevada, Donna Patton and her husband Larry, Haysville, KS, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

   In addition to her husband Lavern, she was preceded in death by two sons, Steven Mitts and Ricky Merchant, and one brother, Frank Howell.

   There are no services planned and a private committal will be held at Moore Cemetery.  

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