Merl (Rife) Hauth, 93, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013, at Woodview Memory Care, Fort Wayne, Ind.

She was born March 3, 1920, in Warsaw to Chauncy and Edith (Hillary) Rife. A lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, Merl was united in marriage to Ernest Hauth on March 24, 1940, in Warsaw.

As a child, Merl worked on the family owned business, Rife Diary. She later worked for Dr. Garber and Stokes Tin Shop. She and her husband managed the Warsaw License Branch and she worked on the family farm. She loved teaching the young Sunday school at the EUB Church.

Her talents shined when doing needlework, tole painting, sewing and caning.

Merl served as a judge of the needlework at the Kosciusko County Community Fair and surrounding area. She also received awards for her beautiful work.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Fifty Thrifty Home Economics Club and a past president of Republicans Women’s Club, all of Warsaw

She is survived by her daughter: Barbara Funnell, Fort Wayne; a son: E. Max (Cindy) Hauth, Lakeland, Fla.; a brother: Lenard “Dick” (Helen) Rife, Tallahassee, Fla.; a sister: Velma Louise Hayden, Warsaw; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and a brother: George Rife.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 16, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. A graveside service for Merl and Ernie will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, and officiated by Reverend Lamar Imes. Burial will be Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or seeing that a needy family with children is fed, clothed and gifted.

To sign the guestbook or leave online condolences, visit the McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels website.