ELLSWORTH — Merlin Thomas (Thom) Stang, 66, passed away March 26 at his home in Ellsworth. Thom was born to Albert and Anita Stang on August 7, 1948 in Marysville. He was raised in Victoria and was part of their graduating class of 1966. Thom was drafted and served the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss, Texas.  In 1972, he married Ruann Kuntzsch. He completed training and was certified in printing at Salina Area Technical College.
Thom and Ruann settled in Ellsworth, where he printed the Ellsworth Reporter for 24 years. Later in life, Thom completed Certified Nursing Aide at Barton Community College and worked at the Ellsworth Good Samaritan for 8 years. He always had a passion for helping people, and continued to until right before his death. Thom was an avid music lover, and lifetime poet, even being published in the Chiron Review. He was also an ordained minister of the Mother Earth Church. Survivors include his mother, Anita Stang of Ellsworth; wife Ruann of Ellsworth; sister Marilyn (Roger) Pflughoeft of Wichita; sister Ruth (Richard) Brunts of Alamongordo, N.M.;  brother Patrick (Cathy) Stang of Great Bend; son Dylan (Kristel) Stang and two beloved grandsons Asher and Avery of Lawrence; and daughter Elizabeth of Salina.
There will be no traditional service.  The family suggests a memorial of the giver’s choice.

Funeral arrangements provided by    
Parsons Funeral Home*
307 N. Lincoln
Ellsworth, KS 67439