Ruth Juanita Merchant Padgett (Graefnitz), age 89 of Morocco, passed away Monday afternoon, Nov. 14, 2011 at George Ade Memorial Healthcare Center in Brook. She was born in Lake Village on March 16, 1922, daughter of the late Albert F. and Beulah M. (Jackson) Graefnitz. Ruth attended school in Newton County and graduated from Morocco High School with the class of 1940. She had been a resident of Morocco for over 50 years, and also had previously lived in Walkerton, IN and New Smyrna Beach, FL.

In June of 1941 in Lake Village she married Roy W. Merchant. He preceded her in death in October of 1984. In May of 1988 in Morocco she married Joseph H. Padgett. He preceded her in death in July of 2003. Ruth owned and operated Merchant’s Country Manor Restaurant in Morocco for 49 years. Ruth was a member of the United Church of Morocco, the Eastern Star, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #146 where she was a member for 60 years. Ruth always had a song in her heart. She loved singing and playing the organ and the piano. She also enjoyed baking, cooking, gardening, and golfing. She was a kind and loving person and will be greatly missed by her family.

Ruth is survived by three daughters: Roslynn Boyd (husband: Dennis) of Monticello, Carolyn Wiltfang of Morocco, and Cheryl Newell (husband: Joseph) of Valparaiso; six grandchildren: Kevin Boyd of Fishers, Bryan Boyd (wife: Christie) of Washington, IL, Kristin Arnone (husband: Steve) of West Lafayette, Natalie Zacher (husband: David) of Rensselaer, Derek Newell and Lindsey Newell both of Valparaiso; two brothers, Russell Graefnitz (wife: Pauline) of Lafayette and Warren Graefnitz (wife: Bonnie) of Morocco. Nine great-grandchildren also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Roy, her second husband Joseph, her sister Mary Vorpagel and her brother-in-law Ed Vorpagel.

Friends may call on Friday, Nov. 18, 2011 from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (CST) at the Steinke Funeral Home Brunton Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. (CST) at the Lake Village Presbyterian Church, Rev. Thomas Albaum officiating. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or American Legion Post #146 of Morocco.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth Merchant Padgett, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.