Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Merry Delphine Achter, devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and cherished friend, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. She was 67 years old.
Merry was born on October 3, 1958, in Oregon, Ohio, to Fred C. Hall and Emma Sue “Jean” (Mohon) Hall. She graduated from Clay High School, where she met Kenneth Achter. They married and together raised three sons, Dustin, Todd, and Cody. Kenny preceded her in death in 2003.
Merry spent most of her career in accounting in Northwest Ohio before moving to Texas. For the past 12 years, she served as Project Accounting Manager for Nelson Worldwide in Dallas, where she was respected for her professionalism, dedication, and unwavering work ethic.
As the youngest of the six Hall children—four brothers and two sisters—Merry may have been the smallest, but she very well may have been the toughest. Though petite in stature, she possessed remarkable determination, an unmatched work ethic, and a razor-sharp wit. She was never one to back down from a challenge, and anyone who knew her understood that her strength came from her heart, not her size.
Being the baby of the family certainly had its advantages. Whether her parents had simply relaxed by child number six or couldn’t resist her beautiful smile and those sparkling blue eyes, Merry always seemed to find a way to get away with just a little more mischief than the rest. Her brothers and sister would probably tell you she had everyone wrapped around her finger—and she’d simply flash that unforgettable smile and never deny it.
Merry never met a stranger. She was the life of every gathering, the quintessential extrovert whose warmth and genuine interest in others created friendships that lasted a lifetime. Distance never mattered to Merry. Her bond with her lifelong best friend, Lory (Edwards) Vasko, endured for nearly 60 years and across thousands of miles as they visited one another in Ohio, California, and Texas—a beautiful reminder that true friendship knows no distance.
Above all, Merry’s greatest joy was her family. To us, she wasn’t just Merry. She was our little sister, and we’ll miss her more than words can ever express.
She is survived by her sons, Dustin Achter (Jodi) of Oregon, Ohio, Todd Achter (Marissa) of Oregon, Ohio, and Cody Achter of Los Angeles, California; her beloved grandchildren, Laif, Cael, and Lola Achter; her brothers, Steven Hall and Christopher Hall (Jen Wiles); her sister, Theresa Romano (Nick Romano); her mother-in-law, Donna Achter; her sisters-in-law, Karen Johansen (Ed) and Connie Lind (Jim); her brothers-in-law, Tim Achter (Nancy), Roger Achter (Maryann), and Rod Achter (Cindy); her special aunts, Janet Duhaime and Bonnie Mohon; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Achter; her parents, Fred C. Hall and Emma Sue “Jean” Hall; her brothers, Larry Hall and Rick Hall; and her sister-in-law, Cindy Achter.
Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude to Merry’s niece, Katie Romano, who also made her home in the Dallas area. Katie’s love, compassion, and unwavering devotion brought comfort and peace to Merry during her final days.
Her kindness, generosity, and selfless care were a gift not only to Merry, but to all of us, and we will always be grateful.
A Celebration of Merry’s Life will be held October 3rd at Oak Shade Grove in Oregon, Ohio.
Those who knew Merry will remember her quick smile, infectious laughter, fierce determination, and generous heart. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, and she never let miles diminish a friendship or a family bond.
She leaves behind a family who loved her deeply, friends who will miss her dearly, and a lifetime of memories that will continue to bring smiles through the tears. She was one of a kind, and our world is a little quieter without her.
