Penwell Turner Funeral Home - Shelby, Ohio

Merline Sergent

Merline Sergent, age 91, of Shelby, died Saturday afternoon, November 6, 2021 at OhioHealth Shelby Hospital.

Merline was born September 17, 1930 in Shelby and was a 1948 graduate of Shelby High School. Merline worked at Shelby Mutual Insurance following high school, paused her work to raise her three daughters, and then returned to “The Mutual” where she worked in the claims department until her retirement. She married Paul Robert Sergent on September 4, 1948. Merline, along with her husband, enjoyed traveling and bowling- both hobbies she continued even after his death. They traveled across the country and world and cherished many years of vacationing in Wildwood, NJ.

Merline was a volunteer in several organizations. She was an active member of the First Christian Church in Shelby where she had been a Sunday School Teacher and a Deacon, was a Girl Scout and Brownie leader, and delivered Meals on Wheels for several years. She was also a member of the Richland County-Shelby Chapter of The Ohio Genealogy Society. Her active volunteerism made her a deserving recipient of the Jess Rath Christian Volunteer Service Award, which she was awarded in 2016.

Her three daughters survive: Susan Sergent, Paula Kay (Les) Albright, and Colleen (Rich Jones) Sergent all of Shelby; 9 grandchildren: Erin (Ian) Valerio, Dana (Brent) Plummer, Alex (Kimberly) McConnell, Chris (Amanda) McConnell, Robert Albright, Kelly (Josh) Radcliff, Luke Jones (Erin Kuster), Tammy Jones, and Lisa Jones; 23 great grandchildren; her brother: Larry (Micky) Racer; a first cousin: Dwight Hartman; and her faithful canine companion: Mandy. Her husband, Paul, preceded her in death on January 2, 2001. Also preceding her in death were her mother: Louise (Dick) Rogers Racer Blackledge; her father who passed away prior to Merline’s birth: Merlin Minor Rogers; her step-father who raised her: Howard Racer; and her sister: Lucia Buttner.

Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 10-11 am at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 11 am. Sister Barbara Weaver, her neighbor and friend, will officiate the services. It was both Merline and Paul’s choice to donate their bodies to The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Her burial will be at a later date in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stujude.org/donate or left in care of the funeral home.

Appropriate ways to express sympathy for those unable to attend may be done by leaving an online condolence on Merline’s obituary at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on her post on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.

Memories & Condolence

  1. Frederick M Studer says:

    To Susan and rest of family. So sorry for your loss. May God Bless and Keep You and Yours Always…………

  2. Marilyn & Gene Hopkins says:

    Keeping the family in our thoughts. With Sympathy…

  3. Rob and Cathy says:

    Paula and family,
    Our deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. May you find strength during these difficult times. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

  4. Liz Litzenberg says:

    Erin and Dana we are so sorry for the loss of your beloved grandmother. She was such a kind and caring person. So glad she had a full life traveling and doing the things she enjoyed. May she Rest In Peace.
    David, Elizabeth and
    Steven Litzenberg

  5. Norma Keefer says:

    Hello Susie and family,
    So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Our prayers are with you.
    Norma Keefer and Pauline Patton

  6. Brenda Ensman says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Merline was a wonderful neighbor to our family.

  7. Terri Fox says:

    Colleen,
    So sorry to hear of you mom’s passing. My prayers will be with you and your family.

  8. Marge Pfrommer says:

    To Susie, Paula, Colleen: so sorry to hear of the passing of Aunt Merline!! My conversations with your Mom were very enlightening !! She had so many memories and loved her family very much!! God Bless you all!! May she Rest In Peace and reunited with Paul !! Love you, Marge

  9. Russ and Betty Newland says:

    So sorry for your loss Colleen, Paula and Susan. Hold onto all those precious memories of your Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Russ and Betty

  10. James & Barbara Eakins says:

    Our sincere sympathy to all of Merline’s family. She lived a full and busy life.
    We are amazed by all the activities Merline did. We have fond memories of her from genealogy meetings. Barb has fond memories of her and Paul when they came into her place of work. Jim said they were good customers of his when he was manager at Great Scot and he remembers them with such good feelings. She touched so many lives and left such a great legacy–a life well lived.

  11. Barbara Lawson says:

    So sorry to hear about Merline. I met her at Shelby Ins, and she was so sweet.

  12. Kara Burks says:

    I only remember seeing Aunt Merline a few times, but what I remember most is how sweet and kind she was. Praying for comfort for all who love her.

  13. Fred Beeching says:

    Paula and family, so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  14. Debbi Watkins says:

    I remember bowling at the Rhythm Bowl with Merline. I had the best time with that afternoon group of ladies. She was a wonderful lady. I am sorry for your loss.

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