Merilla Jane Strader

Ruffin – Merilla “Granny” Jane Strader, 74, of 121 Panther Road, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 17, 2013, at her home. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, March 21, 2013, at Happy Home Congregational Christian Church Cemetery. Merilla was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Joseph and Laverne Brush Rutledge and was a retiree of Goodyear in Danville, VA,and a volunteer with HELP Inc. She was a cancer survivor and loved going fishing and NASCAR races with her late husband of 20 years, Thomas Woody Strader. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Muriel Battes and brother, Homer Rutledge and three great grandchildren of Ohio. Survivors include her sons, Terry Compton of Arkansas and Marty Compton and wife Isabel of Ohio; daughters, Leann Muniz and husband, Benny of Ohio and Brenda Utter and husband, Jeff of Ruffin; sister, Maureen Mazza of Connecticut; brother, George Rutledge of Ohio; 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; honorary grandson, Thomas Utter. The family wishes to thank Project Care and Hospice for their assistance. (In memory of the CHUMPS) There will be no formal visitation, but the family will greet friends at the residence.