Merrilyn M. Coates, 96, of Xenia, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Soin Medical Center. She was born June 8, 1930, in Alpha, Ohio, the daughter of Merrill L. and Ethel Neatherton Volkenand. She was a member of the Evangelical United Methodist Church. She and her husband purchased Rich’s Jewelry Store in Xenia in the 1970’s and it was on the corner of Main and Detroit St. until the 1974 tornado. They later moved the store to 61 E. Main St. She is survived by a daughter, Regina (Conley) Boyd, grandchildren, Molly Coates, Shelley Boyd (John Huber), Scott Boyd, Kathleen (Justin) Thorpe, and Andrea (Brian) Barr, great-grandchildren, Dalton, Lucas, Lily, Sawyer, Evelyn, Vivian, and Tommy, by several nieces and nephews, and by many close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald E. Coates, on January 17, 1986, two sons, Gary Coates and Robert Coates, a grandson, Brian Coates, two sisters, Marvalene Alexander and Mary Alice Volkenand, and by a brother, George W. Volkenand. Merrilyn will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Services will be held at 11am, Friday, June 26, at Neeld Funeral Home, 1276 N. Detroit St., Xenia. Visitation will be held from 10am Friday until service time. Burial will be in Beaver Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Evangelical United Methodist Church, 195 W. Third St., Xenia, OH, 45385, in her memory. Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com. The family would like to especially thank the staff of Trinity of Beavercreek for all their help during this difficult time.