Helen M. (Lewis) Merkel, 93, of Remington, passed away at 9:05 am April 21, 2016, at George Ade Memorial Health Care Center where she had been a resident since December 2009.

 

Her journey began on July 15, 1922. She was the daughter of the late Ward and Thelma Hensler Lewis.

 

She graduated from Remington High School with the class of 1940 and was a life resident of Remington. On January 23, 1942 she married Otto Merkel, who passed away October 21, 1968.

 

She was a homemaker and lifetime member of the Remington Christian Church and American Legion Auxiliary. Helen and her son Robert enjoyed many summers at Circle C Campground, Rensselaer, IN and later at Little Creek Campground, Wolcott, IN. They wintered together in Orlando, FL for several years.

 

Surviving are two daughters, Carol Hoon of Remington and Pamela (Greg) Scheldberg of Schererville; one son, David Merkel of Valparaiso; one sister, Betty Waymire of Remington. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Terri (Rob) Goodrich, Largo FL; Dustin Hoon, Louisville KY; Deena (Philip) Brown, Georgetown, IN; Julie (Paul) Chidichimo, Griffith, IN; Michael (Christie) Merkel, Jacksonville, FL; and four great-grandchildren: Alex, Jonathan, Jameson, and Jenna.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two sons, 1st Lt. Michal Merkel and Robert Merkel; two brothers, William Lewis and Eugene "Jim" Lewis; three sisters, Maxine Cornell, Jane Wilder, and Louise Shelmon.

 

The family would like to thank the George Ade Memorial Health Care Center nurses and staff for their special care and kindness to Helen. George Ade was not a sad place for her. She felt safe there and thought she helped run the place. Also, special thanks to Helen's special team at Harbor Light Hospice for their exceptional support, kindness and care of Helen and her family.

 

Private Services. In accordance with her wishes, she will be laid to rest with her husband and sons in the Remington Cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Helen's name to George Ade Memorial Care Center, Activities Fund, 3623 E SR 16, Brook, IN 47922.

Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home of Remington in charge of arrangements.