March 31, 1922 ~ December 12, 2017
A Celebration of Ruth Lippert Merriner’s life will be held at a memorial service next month for this distinguished entrepreneur, volunteer and outstanding philanthropist.
Ruth was born on March 31, 1922, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and passed away in her home peacefully on December 12, 2017. Preceded in death (2001) by husband of 59 years, Delbert Lamont Merriner. Survived by children: Audrey Lee, Patti Merriner, Rich Merriner and Wayne Andrus-Merriner, as well as 18 grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Ruth and Del moved their home and business, Richdel, Inc., to Carson City including 12 other families in 1970. Richdel manufactured irrigation valves and controllers, bringing with them the potential to eventually employ 500 local residents. Ruth made many contributions to the community as a life-long member of the Soroptimist Club as well as Woman of the Year for that organization.
Ruth also fulfilled the couple’s desire to contribute to the community and health care in particular with building The Merriner Cottages in 2006 as an adjunct to the services at Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare. In addition, she was a member of the Auxilliary and winner of the title Woman of the Year for that same institution.
Finally, Ruth continued to give and be part of the Carson City fabric which resulted in the award of “Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2009 by the Healthcare Heroes of Nevada Business Magazine.
Memorial donations may be made to The Merriner Cottages in care of Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare.
Family and friends are invited to the Memorial Service next month for Ruth Merriner at Fountainhead Four Square Church, 3609 US Highway 395 South, Carson City, Nevada, 89705, on January 20th, at 1:00pm, 2018. Services will be presided over by Pastor Louie Locke and open to the public.
