Cynthia Sue Merillat, age 69, of Fayette, passed away Friday, August 15, 2025, at CHP Hospice in Defiance, after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer. Cindy was born in Montpelier on October 11, 1955, to the late Fred and Betty (Smith) Nowak. She graduated from Hilltop High School in West Unity in 1974. In May of 1976, she married Albert III (Buddy) Merillat, and he preceded her in death on August 13, 1977. Then, on July 27, 1985, she married John A. Merillat in West Unity, and he survives. She worked for the Archbold Post Office as a clerk, retiring after 32 years of service.
Cindy kept a very meticulous house. Everything had to be detailed and in its place. She was also a very giving person, often placing herself above others. Cindy loved being outside, especially when she could be tending to her flower gardens. She loved to read, shop with her sisters, and taking family trips to the beach.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 40 years, John; sons, Scott (Kristine), Jeremy (Anne) and Nick (Lisa Kamppinen) Merillat; daughter, Melissa (Luke) Kessler; grandchildren, Skilar Taylor, Dakota Merillat, Taylor (Stetson) Wilson, Brett, Chole, and Lauryn Merillat, and Aiden, Kamden, Riley, and Katelyn Kessler; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Chad (Denise) Nowak; step-father-in-law, Joe McKinney; sisters, Cheri Beagle, Sheila (Galen) Siegel, Teresa (Ken) Watson, Angela (Mick) McGuire, and Laura (Greg) Fleming; brother-in-law, Butch Opdycke; and best friend since kindergarten, Teresa Rettig. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Opdycke; brother-in-law, Bill Beagle; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Albert Jr. and Viola Merillat.
The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM, at the Marry Funeral Home in Fayette. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM, also at the funeral home, with Pastor Maryann Reimund, officiating. Cindy will be laid to rest in Pleasant View Union Cemetery in Fayette immediately following funeral services.
Words of comfort to the family may be offered at www.marryfh.com. Memorial donations in Cindy’s memory may be given to Community Health Professionals Hospice. The Marry Funeral Home in Fayette is assisting the family with arrangements.