From the October 9th, 2009 Lexington Herald-Leader:
"Stella Mae Merlin, 88, widow of Eliser Lee Merlin, died Monday October 5th, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Born in Mt. Sterling, KY, she was the daughter of the late William and Emma Hedrick. She was a WWII Army corporal veteran, an accomplished seamstress, a master joke teller, and a consumate optimist. Survivors are a daughter, Naomi Merlin (Cincinnati, Silverton), OH, three sons, Harry (Valerie) Merlin, Richmond, KY, David Merlin, Palo Alto, CA, and Mike (Debbi) Merlin, Houston, TX; nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and her grand-dog Molly. She was preceeded in death by a daughter, Sharon Thwing, her husband Eliser Lee, and her dog Mitzi."

I'd like to note that Sharon's ashes were buried with her mother, and a memorial marker of her own was recently installed at the foot of Stella and Lee's grave to mark her place of rest.

Services were held at the graveside with family, friends and extended family. The very sweet and caring Rabbi Marc Kline conducted the service. We had some time to speak with him prior to the service, and though he didn't know our Stella, he had a good idea of who she was from conversations with her children this week, and some input from myself, Greg, my mother Barbara and aunt Ruth Ann. He did a wonderful job with the service.

Anyone seeking to make contributions on her behalf, please send them to Hospice of Cincinnati, 4310 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45242.

Services are typically somber affairs, but as soon as Rabbi Kline mentioned that Harry told him a story about Stella's farting witch, and how she was unresponsive recently until someone activated the fart noise, that ended being somber. At that, she raised her hands and acted as if she were trying to laugh. I understand she also had a farting snowman, farting Santa and of course, your basic fart machine that they contemplated pranking one of the attendees of the service with. Stella would have enjoyed that. Sad and funny stories were told, her very young grandchildren Austin and Savannah had some wonderful things to say (she would be proud of both of you!), as well as the adults whose memories of her are longer, sweeter, and perhaps more poignant. Anyone wishing me to add to this memorial, please contact me at: [email protected].