Evelyn "Evie" L. Merrin

Evelyn “Evie” Louise Merrin was born on January 15, 1940, in Findlay. On January 8, 2024, one week before her 84th birthday, she passed away at home surrounded by family after more than 3 years battling ovarian cancer.

Evie is the daughter of Richard and Matilda (Rader) Cramer. She graduated from Liberty Benton High School. She then attended Grace College in Winona Lake, IN, where she met the love of her life, Charles “Chuck” Edward Merrin. They were married on July 22, 1961, and moved to Findlay in 1964, where they spent the rest of their lives.

Evie was a teacher and a substitute teacher at different points in life, but her primary focus was always on raising her six children. After her kids had grown, Evie started New Hope Adoptions International, alongside her son Rick, where she served for years uniting many Chinese orphans with loving families here in the states. Evie would often say New Hope was her biggest accomplishment, second only to raising her children.

As a woman of faith, she attended three churches: Christian & Missionary Alliance Church where she was a Sunday school teacher, VBS leader and treasurer for the childcare center; Grace Brethren Church, and First United Brethren Church where she served on the board and was in charge of hospitality for several years. Evie loved singing in the congregation, as a part of the worship team, and as a soloist at all three churches.

Evie had several interests. She was competitive with her canning and baking. She would often submit entries into the county fair alongside her sister and mother. She took pride in the awards she won. Evie also liked reading, ceramics, sewing, and various types of needlework. She enjoyed her trips around the country and her travels abroad. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with family. Evie loved her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply.

Evie is survived by her children: caregiver Doug Merrin of Findlay, Julie Merrin of Findlay, Rick (Irma) Merrin of Boerne, TX, Janet (John) Lazar of Massillon, Beth Merrin (Kass Miller) of Perrysburg, and Steve (Andrea) Merrin of Bellefontaine; grandchildren: Joey (Maggie) Lazar, Justin (Evelyn) Lazar, Jennifer Lazar (Shane Watson), Elijah Merrin, Nova Merrin, Rachel Merrin, Emma Merrin, Sophie Merrin, Alex Merrin, and Isaac Merrin; great-grandchildren: Watson and Blakely Lazar; siblings: Janis (Angelo) Conti and Roger (Chris) Cramer.

Evie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, her brothers Donnie and Kevin, and great-grandson Kayson James Lazar.

Friends and family may visit 4-7 PM Friday January 12 at HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd, Findlay. Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, January 13, at the funeral home with an hour visitation prior to the service. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Evie’s name may be made to Cancer Patient Services of Findlay, OH, and/or Bridge Home Health & Hospice of Findlay, OH. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.huffordfh.com.

Cancer Patient Services
1800 North Blanchard Street, Suite 120, Findlay OH 45840

Bridge Home Health & Hospice
15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay OH 45840