Bob Merrill

Bob Z. Merrill, 92, of Asheville passed away on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Aston Park Health Care Center after a period of declining health. He was born to the late Zindel B. and Lucille Cauble Merrill on Mother’s Day and his parent’s anniversary, May 12, 1929.  Bob lived his entire life in Buncombe County, growing up in Fairview and graduating from Fairview High School.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Jones Merrill (March 1961); his second wife, Elizabeth “Lib” McNeill Merrill (September 2018) and his son-in-law, Mike Ford (April 2018).

Bob retired from the Asheville Citizen-Times in 1987 after 40 years as Composing Room Supervisor.  After retiring from the Citizen-Times, he enjoyed lapidary work and taught designing and jewelry making at Haywood Community College.

He was a Master Mason of Biltmore Lodge #446 in Asheville, NC for 60 years. Bob was a member of the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild since 1965.

Bob loved the Lord and was a member of the Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Deacon and Elder. He had read the Bible in its entirety multiple times. He dearly loved his constant companion, miniature dachshund, Heidi, aka “Big Shot”. Heidi will miss him but has settled into her new home with Tim and Pam. Bob loved family gatherings and seeing his daughters and son-in-law. He was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, co-worker, neighbor and friend.

Surviving to cherish his memory are daughters, Sandy Ford of Arden; Pam and husband, Tim aka “Shorty” Thielke of Fairview; grandson, Joseph Ford and wife Becky and their sons, Lucas (9) and Elijah (7) all of Broadway, VA; granddaughter, SMSgt Jennifer R. Thielke, USAF, Ret.; and grandson, Jason Thielke both of Colorado Springs, CO; sisters, JoAnn Mason and Rose Pearce of St. Petersburg, FL; brother, Bernise Merrill, of Fairview: and many neighbors on his street whom he enjoyed visiting with daily.

The family invites family and friends to a celebration of Bob’s life Saturday, September 11, 2021, at his residence from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Join us in sharing your memories with us and each other. Anyone needing directions may call or text Sandy at 828-253-0815.  Please bring a mask to wear indoors.

Burial was private with Pastor Keith Thielke officiating.

Memorials may be made in Bob’s memory to Memory Care, 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC 28803 or Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

The family would like to extend a grateful thank you to the staff of Aston Park Health Care Center and Four Seasons Hospice for their care and kindness to our dad and for keeping us updated regularly the past few weeks on his condition. A special thank you to Memory Care for their guidance to us in the care of our dad over the past few years.

The care of Mr. Merrill has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler and an online memorial register is available at “obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.