Thelma B. Merrill, 96, longtime resident of Milford, NH, died March 13, 2011 at her home.

She was born in Walpole, MA, on June 12, 1914, a daughter of Artemus and Katherine (Jonah) Boulter.

Mrs. Merrill was raised and educated in New Boston, NH. She graduated from New Boston High School and attended nursing school in Boston, Massachusetts.

She made her home in Milford for more than 60 years and owned and operated Merrill’s Sunoco Station in Milford, built in 1951. She was fondly known by many as “Nana,” whom could often be seen pumping gas.

Mrs. Merrill enjoyed spending time with family and friends, cooking and baking, especially buttermilk doughnuts and cinnamon bread. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed an active life.

She was a member of the Granite Grange #7, Milford, a member of Ricciardi Hartshorn Post #23 American Legion Auxiliary and Harley Sanford Post #4368 VFW Auxiliary.

Mrs. Merrill was a devoted mother, a loving grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert G. Merrill.

Family members include three sons, James R. Merrill of Milford, William Merrill of Hudson, FL, Russell Merrill of San Diego, CA; two grandchildren, Christine Schwab and Debbie Merrill, both of Milford; four great-grandchildren, Amanda, Kendall, Ryleigh and Peyton Schwab; a sister, Pauline Yost of Barnstead, NH; two brothers, Robert Boulter of Goffstown, NH and James Boulter of CA; and many very special people who have been a part of her life.

There are no visiting hours.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 19th at 2:00 pm in the Milford United Methodist Church, 327 North River Road, Milford. Burial will be in New Boston Cemetery at a later date.

Donations in her memory may be made to St. Joseph Home & Hospice Care, 24 North River Road, Milford, NH 03055. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford.

To leave an online condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.