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MERKLEY: Ruby Elaine (Pinkerton) of Ilderton

Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On June 10, 2026 @ 8:59 AM In Lucan, Obituary | 22 Comments

MERKLEY: Ruby Elaine (Pinkerton) of Ilderton

Elaine passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2026 at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital after suffering a stroke. Elaine was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Dwight Merkley. She is survived by her children Craig (Jan Searle), Lauren (Ray Cook), and David. Proud grandmother of Peter (Kaitlyn), Gray (Lisa) and Olivia Merkley, Krista (Andrew), Kevin (Nicky), and Alex (Sarah) and great-grandmother of Finley, and Marlee. 

Elaine and Dwight both had long and rewarding careers as teachers. Together, they raised their family as part of the Ridgewood Crescent neighbourhood and enjoyed many summers spent at their cottage on Georgian Bay. Elaine never backed down from a challenge in life, including fending off seagulls with a javex bottle baler, while driving the fishing boat!  She was a kind, caring and generous person, who will be missed by all. 

As per Elaine’s wishes, private family arrangements will take place.

Donations to the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.


Condolences for the family of “MERKLEY: Ruby Elaine (Pinkerton) of Ilderton”

Condolence from Joan Vogel on June 10th, 2026 11:56 AM

Our condolences to all the family in the passing of Elaine. We remember her as a dedicated woman. She was always there for her family, friends and involvement with the church and neighbourhood. Please know our thoughts and prayers accompany you.

Condolence from Jim and Sue Reeve on June 10th, 2026 1:36 PM

Lauren, Ray and family we are so sorry for your loss.

Condolence from Ruth & Cliff on June 10th, 2026 2:13 PM

Elaine was a wonderful person. Our condolences to you Lauren, Ray and family at this difficult time.

Condolence from Steve & Cobi on June 10th, 2026 4:05 PM

Craig and Jan, Olivia, Peter, Gray:
Thinking of you at this time of loss. We’ve had many great chats about your mom during our weekly jogs. So many fun cottage stories. I know you will miss her dearly. So nice you had so many wonderful years together.

Condolence from John and Wendi Schwindt on June 10th, 2026 9:00 PM

Dear Craig and Jan and family…so sorry to hear of your mom. She sounds like a wonderful person and I am sure you will miss her.

Condolence from Matthew & Janet Clarke on June 11th, 2026 6:21 AM

To Lauren and family. So sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure you have many memories of fun times spent at the cottage with your Mom.

Condolence from Ann Charlton on June 11th, 2026 8:18 AM

Craig, Lauren, David & Families

Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Elaine and Dwight were such a big part of our family throughout the years. She was a true friend to mom for over 70 years and she will be truly missed.

Condolence from Murray & Peggy Morrison on June 11th, 2026 8:25 AM

Ray & Lauren & family
Our sincere sympathy on the passing o your Mom. Cherish the memories.

Condolence from Susan Cook on June 11th, 2026 2:45 PM

Ray, Lauren and families,

So sorry to hear of this. Elaine was a wonderful lady who will be surely missed. Sending hugs and prayers to all. Sincerest condolences.

Condolence from Dale Cook on June 11th, 2026 3:05 PM

Craig, Lauren, Peter and families
My sincere condolences to all of you on Elaine’s passing

Condolence from Linda Mills on June 11th, 2026 4:26 PM

Lauren, Ray and family
Sending my sincerest condolences to you and your family. Your Mom was such a kind and loving soul. Hold tight to the beautiful memories created by love and laughter. Thinking of everyone in the days ahead. Much love and respect. Linda

Condolence from Pamela Bice on June 11th, 2026 4:27 PM

Lauren, Ray and family
Our condolences on the passing of your Mom. She always had a smile.
May your memories carry you through this difficult time.

Condolence from Polly Orchard on June 11th, 2026 6:03 PM

Lauren and family,

So many nice memories of Elaine sitting in my salon chair chit chatting away on so many subjects. Especially camping and cottage life.
I loved the way Elaine spoke so highly of your family.
She really was a beautiful person and I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Keep those special memories close to your heart.

Condolence from Karen and Gerald Zavitz on June 11th, 2026 6:18 PM

Craig, Lauren, David and families
We are so sorry for your loss. Elaine was a kind and caring person who meant so much to us. She will truly be missed. The Merkley and Loft families have been friends for a lot of years. So many memories of wonderful times spent at the cottage.

Condolence from Alma Robb on June 11th, 2026 10:10 PM

I first met Elaine and Dwight when they attended Vanneck United Church, then again when I would visit my sister at Seasons Retirement Home. I always got a wave from her if she was in the dining room, & we had several good visits in the last few months. She remained the same caring, sensitive person I remembered. Sincere condolences to all the family on her passing – she will be missed!

Condolence from marjorie taylor on June 12th, 2026 8:50 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a very special person. RIP Elaine

Condolence from Mary Loft on June 13th, 2026 10:58 AM

I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom, she was a lovely lady.
May your many memories bring you comfort and give you peace.

Condolence from Heather Bice on June 13th, 2026 1:57 PM

Lauren, Ray and Family
I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing she was such a gentle woman with a beautiful smile. She will be missed by many. I hope the memories you hold close in your heart with give you peace and help you get through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Condolence from The Benner’s on June 13th, 2026 4:01 PM

Dear Lauren, Ray and Merkley Family…Sending sympathy on the loss of your Mom. Never easy saying “Good-bye” to the person who has loved you, your entire life. Hugs… Don and Heather

Condolence from Doris Loft on June 14th, 2026 10:58 AM

My sincere sympathy to all of Elaines family. You have lost a special mother and grandmother. I have lost a dear friend. Elaine and I were friends for over 70 years. I have many good memories of our times spent together. I will miss her weekly visits. Rest in peace Elaine.

Condolence from The Boyd’s on June 16th, 2026 12:07 PM

To the Cook’s – Lauren, Ray, Krista, Kevin, Alex and family. We are  thinking of you all and sending our condolences on the loss of your Mom/Grandma. We have all had the opportunity to stay up at her beloved cottage over the years, enjoying the views, the water activities and her extensive pottery collection. She was undoubtedly the best stop for the kids on Halloween night each year as she handed out full size chocolate bars and a can of pop to anyone trick or treating with her grandkids. A special lady indeed. She will be missed. Hold on to the memories. 
Sincerely, The Boyd’s-Julie, Brad, Leanna and Logan

Condolence from Grant Goodrich on August 4th, 2026 11:55 AM

Sorry to hear of Elaine’s passing my condolences to her family and friends. She will be missed may she rest in peace.

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