Helene Rankin Merritt

Our hearts are grieving, and we miss Mom dearly, but we have hope. We said, “goodbye for now,” for we know we will be together again. After Russell, Sharon and Karen and 12 precious hours in the ER with their Mom, and she called Sharon later that night and said she was going home tomorrow. It was Jesus who came to get her and took her home with him.

She was one of the sweetest people we have ever known, and God gave her to us to call Mom. She deeply loved the man she was married to for 63 years and loved her children as much. She was a woman of strong faith, and a prayer warrior. She served God by serving others and was the best cook this side of heaven! We had plans to celebrate her 91st birthday on February 19, but we think she had her eye on a bigger party! Happy Birthday in Heaven, Mom! We love and miss you.

Raised in Tionesta, PA area, she met her husband, Russell S. Merritt, while working at Raymond’s in Corry, PA, The couple was married on June 30, 1956. Together they raised their family in Clymer. For many years she worked as an assistant pre-school teacher at the Wee Care Christian Pre-School at the Abby Reformed Church in Clymer. Helene was a long-time member of the Edwards Chapel, where she served on various church committees as well as teaching Sunday School. She had many interests, including canning, gardening, quilting, camping and taking short trips with her husband Russell.

Above all she was a dedicated and loving mother to her 3 children.

Helene is survived by her children: Russell (Sarah) Merritt, of Sugar Grove, PA., Sharon (Curt) Rhebergen, of Clymer and Karen (Mark) Peters of Clymer; grandchildren: Alan Higley, Jennifer Kozub, Scott Merritt, Ryan Peters, Kristin Beckerink and Katie Byrd; great-grandchildren: Ayden, Roman, Lexi, Chistopher and Bentley; a sister, Gerry (Jim) Black of Sugar Grove, PA.; also survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Besides her parents, Helene is predeceased by her husband, Russell S. Merritt, she is predeceased by 5 brothers: Eddy, Bruce, Ralph, Jr. Wayne and Walter Rankin and 2 sisters: Juanita Bouch and Imogene Savko.

Visitation will be held at the Edwards Chapel, 9227 Cherry Hill Road, Clymer on Saturday February 22, 2025 from 1pm-2 pm, where a funeral service follow at 2 pm. Flowers gratefully declined.

Memorial contributions in Helene’s memory may be made to the Edwards Chapel