Ohio City, Ohio - Dorcas G. Merkle, 88, of Ohio City, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 2, at her home surrounded by family.

She was born on Feb. 10, 1938, in Clarence Center, New York, to the late Paul W. Troyer and Luella (Hooley) Troyer.

The family later moved to the Elkhart area, where Dorcas attended Concord High School and Bethany High School. After high school, she attended Goshen College.

Dorcas spent much of her adult life in Arizona, where she worked as a realtor.

Following her real estate career, she dedicated many years of her life to service through Youth With A Mission, and later on Mercy Ships, where she served along the western coast of Africa.

She enjoyed gardening, baking, reading, and sending greeting cards.

Dorcas spent her winters in Green Valley, Arizona and her summers in Ohio City with her husband, John Merkle.

Along with her husband, she is survived by her two children, Doug Yoder and Melissa (Jon) Nachtigal; stepchildren, Audrey (Mark) Luebkemann, Darryl (Brooke) Merkle, Clark (Angie) Merkle, Victoria (Charles) Carpenter, and Becky (Dean) Siler; 12 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sister, Eunice Chupp; brothers, Paul Troyer, David Troyer, Walter Troyer, and Burl Troyer; along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Dorcas was preceded in death by her brother, Delton Troyer; her first husband, Levi J. Yoder; and her second husband, Jess Lara.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Ohio City.

Preferred memorials are to Mercy Ships and CHP Hospice.