Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 8/8/2002

Merril D. Ramsey

Nov. 20, 1921 - Aug. 6, 2002

Merril D. Ramsey, 80, of South Bend, Ind., while in the hands of his Lord, went to be with his Lord on Aug. 6, 2002.

Merril was born Nov. 20, 1921, to Roy and Attie (Brockus) Ramsey. On Nov. 20, 1943, he married his devoted wife, Jeannette Teske, who survives. He is also survived by a son, James (Carol) Ramsey of Duluth, Minn.; and a daughter, Janine Ramsey of Mishawaka, Ind.

He was preceded in death by a son, Michael. Merril was also preceded in death by a brother, Raymond Ramsey; and by a sister, Betty Milslagle.

Also surviving are a loving sister, Mary Scott of Elkhart, Ind.; and three aunts, Elsa Brockus, Pat Brockus and Clarabelle Brockus; and several cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law. Merril has two grandsons, Eric and Aaron Ramsey of Duluth; and a granddaughter, Danielle Ramsey of Minneapolis, Minn. He has five great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Merril was a member of St. Andrew's UCC of Mishawaka. Merril spent several years serving his Lord as an elder of the church, working as a part-time custodian there and ringing the church bell on Sunday morning. Merril lived his entire life in South Bend. He was a former student of the old Nuner School and proudly attended the 'ole South Bend Central High School. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and was then sent to Salt Lake City, Utah. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving three years. He worked for Studebaker for 15 years, was a milkman, and retired from AM General in 1985.

Merril was a quiet man offering to help anyone who needed help. He enjoyed spending time with his grand and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed in early life fishing in the Delong area of Indiana with his father and brother, and later in life fishing on Christianna Lake with his son. As a proud grandpa he enjoyed spending time fishing in Minnesota (Little Turtle Lake) with his grandchildren. He spent time at his father's cottage in Michigan, enjoying family fish fries. There were many times he and his daughter sat on his front porch swing, talking about his childhood and things from the past. Later in life he enjoyed sitting in front of the TV with his wife, watching the Chicago Cubs (win or lose). Merril also enjoyed the joy of his dog, Katie, singing to her, even if it was sometimes off key. Merril was proud to share with anyone willing to listen, that he was still bowling at the age of 80.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Andrew's United Church of Christ, 320 W. 4th Street, Mishawaka. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, Ind. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday in the HICKEY Funeral Home, 3516 E. Jefferson, 289-1000.

Memorials may be made to the church or to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.