Ruth Evelyn Merchant

Ruth Evelyn Merchant, 91, of Nevada, passed away on Friday, Feb. 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, and Donna Patton and her husband, Larry, Haysville, Kan.; 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.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.