Merlie A. Thinnes, age 79, of Huntington, IN, passed away at 9:51 AM surrounded by her family on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Stillwater Hospice in Fort Wayne, IN.  She was born on Friday, September 6, 1946, in Blackford County, IN.  She married Thomas W.  Thinnes on Friday, January 15, 1971 in Bluffton, IN; he preceded her in death on December 22, 2017.  Merlie was a 1964 graduate of Pennville High School. She furthered her education at Indiana Wesleyan University where she received her associate's degree in accounting. Merlie was born and raised in the Pleasantdale Church in Blackford County and later attended The Church at McNatt. She formerly worked at the Bluffton Clinic, Bank of Montpelier, Town Finance in Hartford City, Cutting in Hartford City, Arnold Lumber in Decatur, and Markle Bank (IAB). Merlie enjoyed knitting, crocheting, quilting, and especially spending time with her family. She also enjoyed making quilts and to go bags for children at the Lighthouse church.

She will be forever missed by her son, Nicholas John (Jessica) Thinnes, Huntington, IN, daughter, Samantha Jane (James) Heflin, Hartford City, IN, step-daughter, Elizabeth Ann Miller, Coldwater, MI, and step-son, Timothy Wayne Thinnes, Houston, TX, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, siblings, Larry G. Welch, Hardinsburg, KY, Wesley O. (Kathy) Welch, Van Buren, IN, John S. Welch, Greenville, OH, Priscilla J. (Michael) McFarland, Portland, IN, Vicki M. (Dave) Johnson, Dunkirk, IN, and  Jerry L. (Pam) Welch, Pennville, IN, and several nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas W. Thinnes, father, John Wesley Welch, mother, Alice May (Rogers) Welch, daughter, Abigail Renee Thinnes, stepson, Joey Lee Thinnes, and sister-in-law, Betty Welch.

Family and friends may gather to share and remember at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home located at 109 Windsor St. Montpelier, IN. on Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and also one hour prior to service on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

A service to celebrate her life will be at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 25, 2026 with Pastor Steve Loft officiating.  Interment will take place in the Asbury Cemetery.

Preferred memorials can be made to Stillwater Hospice at 5910 Homestead Rd. Fort Wayne, IN. 46814

Arrangements are being handled by Walker & Glancy Funeral Home in Montpelier.

Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com