Michelle Merchant

Michelle Renee Merchant, 44, passed away on September 27, 2025, after battling a year and a half long illness. She was born on February 16, 1981, to Rodney Zeigler and Alice (Oberdick) Lutz in Columbus, Ohio.

Michelle was a 1999 graduate of Hilliard Davidson High School and earned an associate’s degree from Columbus State Community College. Michelle was employed by Shiseido Americas (formerly Bare Minerals) for over 10 years and previously worked for Sears and Kohls.

Michelle was very active with Feed the Kids Columbus, serving on their Board of Directors. Michelle also enjoyed playing violin and loved dogs, especially her Chocolate Labs and Black Lab.

Michelle is preceded in death by husband Eric Simpson; and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

She is survived by her husband, Scott Merchant; son, Jacob Merchant; step-son Brandon Wood-Merchant (Julia); her mother, Alice (Jeff) Lutz; father Rodney (Jill) Zeigler; father and mother-in-law Dennis and Nancy Merchant; siblings Denise, Rodney, Leo, Jeni, and Jackie; brother and sister-in-law Brad and Hannah Merchant; sister and brother-in-law Annie and Aaron Downing; and many other loved aunts, uncles, cousins, a niece, and a nephew.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 2pm – 4pm at Schoedinger Northeast Funeral Home, 1051 E Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH.

Michelle will be laid to rest on Monday, October 6, at Maplewood Cemetery (Plain Township Cemetery) in New Albany, Ohio with a brief committal ceremony beginning at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Feed the Kids Columbus, 8400 Warner Rd., Ste 600, Plain City, OH 43064.