Merlin Ray Steider of Gloucester, beloved father and grandfather, went home to his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 16, 2024, after a long illness. Merlin was born on March 24, 1943 in Meadville, Pa. He was one of nine children born to Ray and Ruth Oswald Steider. In 1973, Merlin married Barbara Linski, and together they raised five children. Merlin was a loving father to his children, a devoted husband and a kind, supportive presence to his family, friends, and community.
Merlin attended Eastern Mennonite College and pursued graduate studies at Wayne State University. Throughout his career, he served as the administrator of Sanders Nursing Home in Gloucester, Va., worked in private practice, and owned his own practice, Steider and Associates.
Merlin dedicated his life to counseling, offering kind words and help to others in need.
Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Ruth Steider, and his brothers, Dean Steider and Don Steider.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Linski) Steider, and his children: Kyle Steider (Emma) of Richmond, Va., Lee Steider (Carol) of Yorktown, Va., Jeremy Steider of New Kent, Va., Jonathan Steider (Jamie) of Annandale, Va., and Melinda Moore (Will) of Bumpass, Va. He also leaves behind six adoring grandchildren, Ethan Steider, Jackson Steider, Annabelle-Virginia Steider, Logan Steider, Alexa Steider and Jeremy Steider.
Merlin is also survived by his siblings: Arliss Ketchum (Steelman) of Gloucester, Va., Alice Stoltzfus (Merlin) of Corry, Pa., Wilma Hadlock (Bill) of Ellicott City, Md., Carol Hen-nigh (Ron) of Meadville, Pa., Larry Steider (Judi) of Cable, Ohio, and Jim Steider of Conneaut Lake, Pa.
On October 13, the family will receive visitors at 3 p.m. and a Celebration of Life service will follow at 4 p.m. at Cornerstone Fellowship Church, located at 2243 Buckley Hall Road, Cobbs Creek, Va. 23035.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Riverside Walter Reed Hospice, 7358 Main Street, Gloucester, Va. 23061 or Cornerstone Fellowship Church, 2243 Buckley Hall Road, Cobbs Creek, Va. 23035.