Ruby Louise Merrill

Ruby “Louise” Merrill, 75, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday morning, January 20, 2008, at Cartel Inns of Royalton in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 23, at Crystal Springs Church of God, 1465 Pipestone Street in Benton Harbor, with Pastor Fred Davey officiating. Burial will follow at Crystal Springs Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 P.M., Tuesday, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Crystal Springs Church of God. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Louise was born July 23, 1932, in Olaton, KY. She was one of four children born to Haskel and Lena Reynolds. She worked for many years as an Administrative Assistant for the Benton Harbor Police Department before her retirement. Louise has the distinction of being the first female president of an FOP Lodge – Lodge 100 in Benton Harbor. She was also a long-time member of the St. Joseph Ladies Elks. In her leisure time, Louise enjoyed bowling and shopping. “She never visited a mall she didn’t like.” Louise is survived by siblings, Rosa Elzey of St. Joseph and Edward (Carlene) Reynolds of Eau Claire; and by numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Wilma Culbertson.