Merl Rife Hauth, 93, Warsaw, passed away Nov. 9, 2013, in Woodview Assisted Living, Fort Wayne. She was born March 3, 1920, in Warsaw, to Chauncy and Edith Hillary Rife. On March 24, 1940, in Warsaw, she was united in marriage to Ernest Hauth, who died Sept. 22, 2013. She was a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County. As a child, she worked on the family-owned business, Rife Dairy. 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. She served as a judge of the needlework at the Kosciusko County 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. Surviving are her daughter, Barbara Funnell, Fort Wayne; a son, E. Max (and spouse Cindy) Hauth, Lakeland, Fla.; a brother, Lenard “Dick” (and spouse Helen) Rife, Tallahassee, Fla.; and a sister, Velma Louise Hayden, Warsaw; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by a brother, George Rife. Graveside services for her and Ernie will be held at noon Saturday at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, officiated by Reverend Lamar Imes. Calling will be from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. ***** Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or seeing that a needy family with children is fed, clothed and gifted. Condolences may be sent via www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
