BLUEFIELD — Ruby Wilma Merkle, of 692 W. Cumberland Road, Bluefield, W.Va., passed away Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center. Ms. Merkle was born in Pageton, W.Va., and was the daughter of the late Frank and Sadie Lakitch Merkle.

She was a resident of the Bluefield area for the past six months. She was formerly of Greensboro, N.C. Ms. Merkle had worked for the McCloud Belting Company in Greensboro, N.C. with 20 years service. She was also a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Greensboro, N.C.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Andrew Merkle, Frank Merkle Jr.,  Steve Merkle and an infant brother; three sisters, Mary Loatman, Sadie Ingandela, and Annie Merkle; two brothers-in-law, Richard Smith and Junior Gillespie.

Our dear sweet sister will be missed by us all, sisters: Catherine H. Smith of Bluefield, Goldie Gillespie of North Carolina, and Virginia Merkle of Anawalt; special niece, Debra Fitzko  of Bluewell; several nieces and nephews.

Christian Burial services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012 at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel in Bluewell, W.Va. with Father Paul Wharton officiating. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum, Bluewell. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Friends may call Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012 from 12:00 p.m. until time of services at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so by visiting www.cravens-shires.com

Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, W.Va. is serving the Merkle family.